Study of microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminium alloy (AA-6351-T6) using friction stir welding

The current study investigates the effect of welding speed on the mechanical and microstructural properties in similar friction stir welding of Aluminium Alloy (AA-6351-T6). The contribution of intense plastic deformation and high-temperature exposure within the stirred zone during friction stir welding results in recrystallization and development of texture within the stirred zone and precipitate dissolution and coarsening within and around the stirred zone. Based on micro-structural characterization of grains and precipitates, three distinct zones, stirred (nugget) zone, thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and heat-affected zone (HAZ).The micro-structural changes in various zones have significant effect on post weld mechanical properties.