Intellectualizing the Process of Waveguide Tracks Induction Soldering for Spacecrafts

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop an intelligent method for controlling the induction soldering process of spacecraft’s thin-walled aluminum waveguide tracks. This new control method is based on the use of intelligent data analysis in order to determine the optimal control algorithms for product heating and the workpiece motion control with optimal coefficients based on the operational data of the induction soldering technological process. The paper presents a mathematical formulation of the intelligent control problem. As part of this work, such intellectual methods have been chosen for comparison as a method based on a fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and a neuro-fuzzy controller. Based on experimental data on real technological processes of induction soldering, a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the proposed approach has been carried out. The results of experimental studies have shown that the control method of the induction soldering technological process based on artificial neural networks has the highest efficiency. In addition, based on experimental data of real technological processes, the most effective structure of an artificial neural network has been determined. The highest recognition accuracy has been provided by an artificial neural network with five artificial neurons on each one of five hidden layers. Experimental quality control of the obtained artificial neural network has been carried out on three different waveguide tracks assemblies with different tube thicknesses: 58×25 mm, 35×15 mm, 19×9.5 mm. The results of the experimental verification have showed that for all the three waveguide tracks assemblies high-quality soldered joints have been obtained. The integrated application of intelligent technologies for controlling the technological process of induction soldering of thin-walled aluminum waveguide tracks could significantly improve the quality of permanently formed connections, as well as eliminate errors associated with human factor. Further research will focus on the intellectualization of other technological processes for creating permanent connections, such as electron beam welding, diffusion welding, etc. The results of this work clearly show the effectiveness of the proposed concept of intellectualization, so it is advisable to extend it to a wider range of technological processes.