Quality Prediction and Parameter Optimisation of Resistance Spot Welding Using Machine Learning

Abstract

In a small sample welding test space, and to achieve online prediction and self-optimisation of process parameters for the resistance welding joint quality of power lithium battery packs, this paper proposes a welding quality prediction model. The model combines a chaos game optimisation algorithm (CGO) with the multi-output least-squares support vector regression machine (MLSSVR), and a multi-objective process parameter optimisation method based on a particle swarm algorithm. First, the MLSSVR model was constructed, and a hyperparameter optimisation strategy based on CGO was designed. Next, the welding quality was predicted using the CGO–MLSSVR prediction model. Finally, the particle swarm algorithm (PSO) was used to obtain the optimal welding process parameters. The experimental results show that the CGO–MLSSVR prediction model can effectively predict the positive and negative electrode nugget diameters, and tensile shear loads, with root mean square errors of 0.024, 0.039, and 5.379, respectively, which is better than similar methods. The average relative error in weld quality for the optimal welding process parameters is within 4%, and the proposed method has a good application value in the resistance spot welding of power lithium battery packs.

Keywords

• resistance spot welding
• quality prediction
• process optimisation
• chaos game optimisation
• multi-output least-squares support vector regression
• particle swarm algorithm