Austenitic stainless steels are readily weldable, but sensitization and
solidification cracks are common defects in the welding of such steels. It is found that
the problem of solidification cracking remains under control if the weld pool solidifies
in FA mode. 6-8% delta ferrite in the fusion zone can promote the FA mode of
solidification. The effects of different semi-automatic MIG welding parameters, like
welding current, gas flow rate, and welding speed, on solidification behavior and
microstructure of the weldment are not clear. In this present work, an attempt has been
made to optimize MIG welding input parameters to achieve 7% delta ferrite in the
fusion zone. Initially, ANOVA-based analysis and optimization was performed. A new
metaheuristic, namely the Elephant Swarm Water Search Algorithm (ESWSA), was
used for optimization purposes to get the optimal condition of grinding.
Keywords: AISI304 austenitic stainless steel, ANOVA, ESWSA, Industry 5.0, Metaheuristics optimization, Semi-automatic MIG welding.
