Effect of quality control parameter variations on the fatigue performance of aluminum friction stir welded joints. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Shihui; Shah, Luqman; Ranjan, Rakesh; Walbridge, Scott; Gerlich, Adrian
• Is Part Of: International journal of fatigue. Volume 118(2019)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Aluminum -- Friction stir welds -- Defects -- Fracture mechanics -- Variable amplitude loading; Materials -- Fatigue -- Periodicals; Materials -- Fatigue; Periodicals; 620.1122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfatigue.2018.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-1123

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: 0.3–1.0 mm kissing bond defects led to a fatigue life reduction in FSW joints. Investigated toe flash/undercut defect had less of an effect on fatigue life. Tested FSW lap joint detail had lower fatigue life than the butt joint detail. Fatigue test results predicted with nonlinear fracture mechanics (SBFM) model. Abstract: This paper describes fatigue tests performed on 6061-T651 and 5083-H321 aluminum friction stir welded joints with dimensions and loading conditions typical for structural applications. Butt and lap joint details with various defects intentionally introduced were tested under tension-only constant and variable amplitude loading conditions. In this paper, the fatigue test results are presented along with supporting metallurgical and nonlinear fracture mechanics analyses. Based on this work, it is concluded that kissing bond defects on the order of 0.3–1.0 mm can result in a significant fatigue life reduction and a shift in the failure mode to the weld root. The investigated toe-flash defect had less of an effect on fatigue performance. The lap joint did not perform as well as the butt joint detail.