Impact of selected FSW process parameters on mechanical properties of 6082-T6 aluminium alloy butt joints

Abstract

In the friction stir welding (FSW) process a rotating and travelling tool equipped with a specially designed probe is slowly plunged into joined materials, plasticizes and stirs them thus forming a joint. Various geometric shapes of stirring tools make the motion of plasticized material very complex, which, in turn, translates to the structure and mechanical properties of joints. The article presents the results of tests focused on the impact of selected FSW process parameters on the mechanical properties of butt welded joints made of 6082 aluminium alloy. The tests were performed at various linear welding speeds, using single-and double-sided test joints welded with three types of stirring tools, differing in probe and shoulder geometry. The article reveals the results of mechanical and fatigue tests of the FSW joints.