Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium-Alloys

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding technology specially used for joining non ferrous alloys like aluminium-alloys, magnesium alloy etc. FSW have various advantages over conventional welding method like low distortion of material, lower loss of alloying materials, high strength of joint, energy efficient, environment friendly, and versatile. The present studies aimed to understand microstructural changes and associated mechanical properties of the joints produced by using FSW. In this work aluminium alloy Al6061-T6 and Al5052 sheets of thickness 3mm were used for joining. Parameters changed for joining were tool rotational speed, traverse speed and tool geometry with conical pin and hexagonal pin. These process parameters were optimized using design of experiment technique. The welded joints were tested for tensile properties and impact toughness. Metallographic observations of joints were carried out using optical microscopy; scanning electron microscopy. Hardness profile and residual stress were also investigated