‘Symbiotic’ data-driven modelling for the accurate prediction of mechanical properties of alloy steels

A new optimal strategy based on symbiotic modelling is proposed. The system combines Linear Regression Model (LR), Non-Linear Iterative Partial Adaptive Least Square Model (NIPALS), Neural Network Model with double loop procedures (NNDLP), Adaptive Numeric Modelling (Neural-Fuzzy modeling NF) and metallurgical knowledge in order to provide effective modelling solutions and achieve an optimal prediction performance. As a final step a fusion procedure is used to perform a routine decision making based on aggregation algorithm and clustering method that allow to systematically select the final best prediction outcome from a set of competing solutions. The proposed methodology is then applied to the challenging environment of a multi-dimensional, non-linear and sparse data space consisting of mechanical properties of `Mild' Steel in particular Tensile Strength (TS) and Yield Strength (YS) in hot-rolling industrial processes. Using a data set containing critical information on the mechanical properties obtained from a hot strip mill, it is concluded that the developed new systematic modelling approach is capable of providing better prediction than each individual model even in data distribution areas which are reckoned to be sparse.