Experimental Investigation of the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of AA 7075-T6 during Underwater Frictionstir Welding Process

Abstract

In this paper an experimental investigation on Aluminum Alloy AA 7075-T6 during underwater friction stir welding is done and the effects of process parameters are analyzed and designed by using Taguchi's method as an optimization technique. Underwater friction stir welding (UWFSW) is a new approach which is similar as FSW (friction stir welding) but in this new approach of UWFSW the whole welding process is done under water i.e. the work piece and the tool is fully immersed under water. In this research paper mainly the three main process parameters are taken into major consideration for obtaining the optimized machining process parameters these three main process parameters are Tool Speed , Plunge Depth and Feed Rate. The Microstructure is analysis of different zone formed during the UWFSW process is also investigated. The run table for experimental run is generated by using Taguchi's L16 Orthogonal Array.