TWI

Friction stir welding experiments were undertaken on carbon manganese steel plates (thickness 6 mm) in order to map the internal temperature distribution, assess the effects of minimal plate preparation and investigate the microstructures and mechanical properties of butt welds fabricated at high welding speed. Welding was performed using a "PowerStir" machine with a MegaStir Q70 grade tool at a welding speed of 400 mm/min and rotational rate of 550 rpm. Microstructures in the HAZ and thermomechanically affected zone were observed by optical microscopy, SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Mechanical properties were characterised by tensile strength and Charpy impact toughness measurements.

10th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2014, Session 2A: Steel I, Paper 05