Friction stir welding of high strength aluminum alloys

Abstract

Friction stir welding is a solid state joining process that is finding vast applications in the aerospace industry, particularly for joining high strength aluminum alloys [1-16]. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of friction stir welding (FSW) on structure and properties in two high strength Al alloys; an Al-Li-Cu alloy and a 7050 alloy. Microstructural and fatigue crack growth aspects are discussed.