Effect of Tool Tilt Angle and Tool Plunge Depth on Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded AA 5083 Joints

The influences of tool tilt angle and tool plunge depth on tensile properties of friction stir welded AA 5083-H116 with the thickness of 4 mm were studied. Four different values of tool tilt angle of 1΀ 2°, 3°, and 4° were used to fabricate the joints. The tool plunge depths were choosen 3.85 mm, 3.90 mm and 3.95 mm. The FSW rotational speed and welding speed were 1125 rpm and 30 mm/min, respectively. The temperature, macrostructure, hardness and tensile strength of joints were compared and discussed. Results show that the increase of tool tilt angle and tool plunge depth resulted the welding temperature increase. Due to the increase of welding temperature, the hole defect become smaller. Tensile testing results indicated that the tensile strength of joints increased with increasing both the tool tilt angle and tool plunge depth.