TWI

A review of an experimental study of friction stir welded (FSW) 5456-H1 16 aluminium plate of 19 mm thickness, is presented and the formation of a pre-rotation defect and its effect on the mechanical properties of welds is discussed. Welds were made at travel speeds of 127, 163, 180 and 198 mm/min. Tensile strength of the welds was measured and examination was made of the fracture surfaces to identify the cause of the variability in strength. FSW tool shoulder diameter was 35.6 mm and pin diameter was 9.7-17.3 mm, length 18.5 mm. Further experiments were conducted to examine the possible cause being due to size of welding tool in relation to pin diameter, in which the shoulder diameter was reduced to 30.5 mm, thus reducing the possibility of the formation of a pre-rotation defect. Other possible causes of the pre-rotation defects are discussed in regard to an earlier study on 25.4 mm thickness 2519-T87 aluminium plate.

8th International Symposium, 18-20 May 2010, Session 1: Plenary, Paper 01