Characteristic study on Al7020 friction stir joints with various rotational speeds

Abstract

This article provides information on the weld quality of joints which are made by friction stir welding (FSW) based on industrial application especially aerospace and automotive. Here, two aluminium 7020 plates were welded. The joints were produced using same welding parameters only the variation is done in the rpm of the tool. Here the characterisation is done against mechanical properties and microstructure. Using the selected welding parameters, excellent weldment forms, but the micrographs for each joint cross-section made with different rpm are different. With the change of tool's rotary speed, a number of particles stirred into the stir zone are varied. Moreover, the failure loads of the joints also vary with relevant to the rpm of the tool. The results of the analysis show that the specimen joint made with 1,400 rpm tool rotation and feed rate of 32 mm/min has achieved higher mechanical properties, better metal dispersion with poor defects. Finally, the direction of future research and potential applications are examined and explained.