TWI

A temperature monitoring system incorporating thermocouples mounted in the probe and shoulder was employed to measure the temperature of the rotating tool during the fabrication of dissimilar butt joints between A6005C aluminium alloy (Al, 0.5%Mg, 0.54%Si, 0.23%Cu) and AZX 611 flame-resistant magnesium alloy (Mg, 5.9%Al, 1.1%Ca, 0.61%Zn) by friction stir welding (FSW). Welding was conducted at a tool rotational speed of 600-2000 rpm and a travel speed of 5-300 mm/min. The temperature profile of the tool during FSW was determined. Issues discussed include the influence of process parameters on heat input, the effect of temperature and strain rate on proof stress, and the effect of rotational speed on probe temperature and joint microstructure.

12th International Symposium, 26-28 Jun 2018, Session 9A: Process & Equipment, Paper 03