Effect of welding speed and tool pin profile on tensile properties of friction stir welded AA6061 aluminium alloy. (3rd February 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elangovan, K.; Balasubramanian, V.; Valliappan, M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of microstructure and materials properties. Volume 4:Number 4(2009)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 475
• Publication Date: 2010-02-03
• Subjects: aluminium alloys -- friction stir welding -- FSW -- welding speed -- tool pin profiles -- tensile properties -- macrostructure -- microstructure -- microhardness; Microstructure -- Periodicals; Materials -- Properties -- Periodicals; 620.11299
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-8410

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) process is an emerging solid state joining process in which the material that is being welded does not melt and recast. The welding parameters, such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force, etc., and tool pin profile play a major role in deciding the weld quality. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to understand the effect of welding speed and tool pin profile on tensile properties of friction stir welded AA6061 aluminium alloy. Five different tool pin profiles have been used to fabricate the joints at five different welding speeds. Tensile properties of the joints have been evaluated using universal testing machine. Macro- and microstructures of the FSW joints have been analysed using optical microscope. Microhardness testing machine has been used to measure the friction stir processed (FSP) zone hardness. From this investigation, it is found that the joints fabricated by square pin profiled tool exhibited superior tensile properties compared to other joints.