Self-learning fuzzy neural network control for backside width of weld pool in pulsed GTAW with wire filler

The weld pool shape control by intelligent strategy was studied. In order to improve the ability of self-learning and self-adaptation of the ordinary fuzzy control, a self-learning fuzzy neural network controller (FNNC) for backside width of weld pool in pulsed gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) with wire filler was designed. In FNNC, the fuzzy system was expressed by an equivalence neural network, the membership functions and inference rulers were decided through the learning of the neural network. Then, the FNNC control arithmetic was analyzed, simulating experiment was done, and the validating experiments on varied heat sink workpiece and varied gap workpiece were implemented. The maximum error between the real value and the given one was 0.39mm, the mean error was 0.014mm, and the root-mean-square was 0.14mm. The real backside width was maintained around the given value. The results show that the self-learning fuzzy neural network control strategy can achieve a perfect control effect under different set values and conditions, and is suitable for the welding process with the varied structure and coefficients of control model.