TWI

An experimental investigation is presented into the fatigue properties of welded joints made by friction stir welding (FSW) of 2024-T4 (Al, 4.4%Cu, 0.6%Mn, 1.5%Mg) and 2014-T6 (Al, 4.5%Cu, 0.8%Mn, 0.5%Mg) aircraft alloys and their dependence on process parameters and root defects. The FSW parameters varied were tool rotational speed (800-1000 rpm) and welding travel speed (150-250 mm/min). High cycle fatigue tests were performed using an electromagnetic resonant fatigue testing machine (stress ratio 0.1, working frequency range 100-143 Hz). Microstructure was observed by optical microscopy and fracture surfaces of fatigued specimens were examined by SEM. Characteristic values of fatigue strengths were extracted by statistical analysis.

6th International Symposium, 10-13 Oct 2006, Session 7B: Fatigue II, Paper 02