Investigation on evolution of microstructures and characterization during FSW of Az80a Mg alloy

Abstract

Experimental investigation was conducted to find out microstructural characteristic changes arising in the weldments AZ80A Mg alloys obtained using the friction stir welding. Tools with three different pin profile geometries were employed during this investigation at constant tool rotational speed and feed rate. Tensile tests are performed and the tensile fracture surfaces are examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and the obtained SEM images are used for microstructural investigations. From the experimental results, it was observed that the geometry of the tool pin plays a significant role in producing essential stirring action there by regulating the flow of the plasticized material and leading to the formation of small sized grains having equally distributed fine strengthening precipitates. These structured grains have a direct reflecting impact in increasing the hardness and mechanical properties of the fabricated joints at the nugget zone of the friction stir welded AZ80A Mg alloy joints.