TWI

An experimental study was carried out on friction stir welded aluminium alloy tailored welded blanks (TWB's) to determine mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics in order to evaluate friction stir welding (FSW) as a feasible method of manufacturing TWB's (as used in the automotive industry). TWB's were produced using AA-5754-H111 and AA-6181-T4 sheets of varying thickness 1-1.5 mm; similar and dissimilar welds with different thickness combinations were produced. Welding was carried out varying welding speed to determine its effect on weld quality and to establish if high speed welding was feasible. The macro and microstructure of the welds was studied. Bend and tensile testing were used to determine weld mechanical properties. An optical strain measurement system was used to investigate deformation behaviour.

4th International Symposium, 14-16 May 2003, Session 6A: Aerospace & Applications, Paper 01