Influence of Welding Process Parameters on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded Aluminium Matrix Composite

Abstract

In this study, the effect of process parameters on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminium matrix composites (AMC) have been explored. The results indicated that the recrystallized grain size at the bottom of the weld region is smaller than that at the top region due to difference in the heat transfer at the weld region. The joint strength of AMCs depends on proper selection of process parameters like tool rotational speed and welding speed. If process parameter values are beyond the optimal value, the joint strength decreases due to formation of defects. Maximum tensile strength is obtained for rotational speed of 1000 rpm and welding speed of 80mm/min.

Parameter investigation and optimization of friction stir welded AA6061/TiO2 composites through TLBO

“…The joint shows lesser UTS at the lower welding speed due to the higher heat supply caused by the slow movement of the tool. Higher heat input and reduced cooling rate result in improper plasticization and turbulent material flow causing poor consolidation of the material in the weld region [35][36][37]. Hence, both YS and UTS of the joint show lesser The hardness of the joint shows a similar trend as shown by the UTS to welding speed.…”

Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of Friction Stir Welding Joints of Aluminum Reinforced with Silicon Carbide Nanoparticle

“…It became very common knowledge that when applying this welding technique that the welding section is divided into four regions distinct from each other, as shown in Fig. 1, namely: A) base metal, B) heat affected zone (HAZ), C) thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and D) weld nugget [10,16].…”

Friction stir welding of Aluminium matrix composites – A Review

“…The quantity of heat induced at the weld zone depends on the tool rotation speed. Whereas the amount of heat transferred to the work piece and rate at which work piece cools behind the moving tool is influenced by the tool traverse speed [19]. For the given rotational speed of the tool, lower tool traverse speed increases the amount of heat transferred to the work piece and reduces the cooling rate, results in formation of coarser grains.…”