Effect of process parameters on the mechanical properties of wires produced from A356 aluminum alloy chips by Continuous Friction Stir Extrusion: Experiments and numerical simulation

Abstract

Recycling of metals is becoming crucial from an economic and environmental point of view. The solid-state recycling process Continuous Friction Stir Extrusion was used to produce wires out of A356-T6 chips. The mechanical properties of the produced wires were explored by varying the main process parameters. Characterization involved Vickers hardness tests, tensile tests, grain size measurements, and fracture surface analysis. It has been found that it is possible to achieve 77 % of the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and 92 % of Vickers hardness with respect to the as-fabricated A356 alloy. The average grain size increases with the tool rotational with values ranging from about 9 µm to about 11 µm. A 3D dedicated numerical model was used to predict the distributions and histories of primary field variables, and to calculate the Piwnik-Plata parameter, fostering a more in-depth understanding of the process mechanics. This allows for the precise prediction of unacceptable product quality of the bonding when the Plata and Piwnik parameters are low. Predicted temperature close to the rotating tool should reach 400 °C while the cochlea temperature should be below 100 °C for sound wires production thus avoiding early chip bonding and process failure.