Effect of Process Parameters on Mechanical Characterization of Dissimilar Friction Stir Welded Aluminium Alloys

Aluminum alloys exhibit poor weldability by conventional fusion welding process. The heat treatable aluminum alloy AA2014 is extensively used in the aircraft industry because it has good ductility and high strength to weight ratio. In this paper the effects of welding parameters and tool profile on the mechanical properties of friction stir welded butt joints of dissimilar aluminum alloy sheets AA6082 and AA2014. The process parameters such as rotational speed, transverse speed and axial forces were considered. The effect of parameters on weld quality was analyzed. Hardness and tensile tests are carried out at room temperature to examine the mechanical properties of the welded joints. The joints produced with straight square tool pin profile have higher ultimate tensile strength, whereas the straight cylindrical tool pin profile results in lower tensile strength.