TWI

An experimental study was carried out to investigate friction stir welded lap joints in AA-6082 aluminium alloy sheets in order to determine methods to improve weld quality; the experiments were performed using two different types of probe, the MX-Triflute and the Flared-Triflute. Single and double run welding was carried out on 6082-T6 sheets of thickness 3.5 mm with the MX-Triflute probe; welding speed was varied. Single run welding with the Flared-Triflute probe was carried out on 6082-T6 sheets of thickness 4 mm with either clockwise or anticlockwise rotations of the FSW tool. Welding was also performed between the dissimilar alloys 6082 and 6063 to investigate material flow during welding. The microstructure of the welds was examined. Tensile testing was used to determine maximum load required to break the specimens. Hammer "S" bend tests were also performed to assess weld integrity.

4th International Symposium, 14-16 May 2003, Session 7: Process & Equipment 3, Paper 01