Tensile Strength, Micro-hardness and Microstructure of Friction-Stir-Welding AA6061-T4 Joints

Abstract

Welding of aluminum alloys by traditional welding methods creates some defects such as hot cracks, porosity, and void that led to decreasing of mechanical properties. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) gives good mechanical properties of aluminum alloy welds. In this paper, FSW worked in 4 mm thick plate of 6061-T4 aluminum alloy, with two welding parameters are used (tool rotational speed and feed rate) was investigated, were analyzed the microstructure and mechanical properties by carried out microstructural, micro-hardness, and tensile strength tests. From results are found defect-free of welds at a wide range of parameters. Stir zone shows a fine-equiaxed grain and high hardness, not significantly change between heat affected zone and base metal in size grain. Tensile strength of welds was lower than base metal and fracture location was occurred at a low hardness region for the welds.

Keywords

• Friction stir welding
• AA6061-T4
• tool rotational speed
• feed rate
• aluminum alloy