Hardness and Impact Strength Characteristics of Al based Hybrid Composite FSW Joints

Abstract

Aluminium and its alloys have an excellent mechanical property in that metal matrix composite has a promising role in the field of automobile and aviation. This work aims to investigate the hardness and impact strength of aluminium Al2024, Al6061 and Al7075 alloy reinforced with a weight fraction of fine greenish silicon carbide 7% and chopped E-glass fiber 3%. The metal matrix composite plates were welded by using the friction stir welding process at 550, 850 and 1150 rpm with a feed rate of 40, 80, 120 mm/min. Hardness specimens are prepared as per ASTM-E-92 and investigated the hardness of welded and unwelded (base metals and composite metal) in nugget zone, HAZ and TMAZ with the help of Vickers hardness test machine. Impact strength specimens are prepared as per ASTM-E-23. The results were compared with welded and unwelded aluminium specimens.