The article “An Experimental Study of Resistance Spot Welding in 1 mm Thick Sheet of Low Carbon Steel” (J. of Engr. Manufacture, 1996: 341–348) discussed a statistical analysis whose basic aim was to establish a relationship that could explain the variation in weld strength (y) by relating strength to the process characteristics weld current (wc), weld time (wt), and electrode force (ef).

a. , and fitting the complete second-order model gave . Calculate and interpret the coefficient of multiple determination.

b. Assuming that , carry out a test of model utility [the ANOVA table in the article states that , but other information given contradicts this and is consistent with the sample size we suggest].

c. The given F ratio for the current–time interaction was 2.32. If all other predictors are retained in the model, can this interaction predictor be eliminated? [Hint: As in simple linear regression, an F ratio for a coefficient is the square of its t ratio.]

d. The authors proposed eliminating two interaction predictors and a quadratic predictor and recommended the estimated equation Consider a weld current of 10 kA, a weld time of 12 ac cycles, and an electrode force of 6 kN. Supposing that the estimated standard deviation of the predicted strength in this situation is .0750, calculate a 95% PI for strength. Does the interval suggest that the value of strength can be accurately predicted?