Influence of shoulder diameter on mechanical response and microstructure of FSW welded 1050 Al-alloy

Abstract

In this study, commercially pure (CP) aluminum specimens were welded using Friction Stir Welding technique (FSW). Welding process was carried out by rotating 1500 rpm and by moving 200 mm/min. Under constant friction force, four different shoulder diameter (20, 25, 30 and 40 mm) were used. During welding, temperature measurements were performed using non-contact laser thermometer at various parts of the plates from the welding center to outwards. Microscopic and mechanical tests were used to characterize the samples. It has been observed that HAZ limited the dimensions of stirrer shoulders. Hardness values of welding zone were slightly high but they were quite close to the hardness of base metal. Tensile strength of the samples was significantly affected by the shoulder diameter.