Microstructure analysis of 7050 aluminum alloy joint fabricated by linear friction weld

The microstructure of a linear friction welded joint of 7050 aluminum alloy was investigated through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The analysis focused on grain boundary types, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the joint. The results reveal that fine equiaxed crystals are generated in the welded zone through dynamic recrystallization. The average grain size is 6.8 μm, with a volume fraction of large angle grain boundaries reaching 69.5%. The microstructure primarily consists of Cube {001}<100> texture, {111}<110> Brass recrystallization texture, and a small amount of copper {112}<111> deformation texture. The thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) presents a linear structure with an average grain size of 15.8 μm and a volume fraction of 36.1% at large grain boundary, resulting in a deformed Brass {011}<211> texture and a small amount of {236}<385> as well as {111}<110> Brass recrystallization texture. The welded joint exhibits a tensile strength of 492 MPa and a yield strength of 380 MPa, which represents 94.2% and 78.5% of the base material, respectively. Furthermore, the elongation of the joint is 10.2% and 98% of the base material, respectively. The fracture of the tensile sample is observed in the TMAZ, showing good mechanical properties with a mixed fracture mode with some degrees of ductility and brittleness.