Impact of tool profile on mechanical properties of AZ31B Mg alloy during FSW using optimized parameters

Abstract

In this experimental investigation, an attempt was made to understand the influence of the tool profile on the mechanical properties of the joints fabricated during friction stir welding (FSW) of AZ31B Mg alloy flat plates. When the specimens prepared from the successfully fabricated joints were subjected to tensile tests as per prescribed International Standards it was observed that employing a taper cylindrical pin profiled tool resulted in sound quality lap joints with improved mechanical properties. Moreover, the use of other tool profiles namely straight cylindrical&straightsquare could not produce defect free joints. Further, this investigation reveals us that the common FSW defects including low distortion, lack of cavity, tunnel defects etc are found to be completely eliminated while using taper cylindrical pin profiled tool.