TWI

Friction stir welding (FSW) was employed to join partially recrystallised AA 5052 (Al, 2.3%Mg) sheet specimens (thickness 5 mm) and the relationship between microstructural development, mechanical properties and process parameters was investigated. The process parameters varied during FSW were tool rotation speed (1120 or 1400 rpm) and feed rate (60-100 mm/min). Welded joints were subjected to nondestructive die penetration and x-ray radiography tests. Optical microscopy, SEM, TEM and electron probe microanalysis were used to examine the microstructural features and local chemistry of various regions in the weld zone. Mechanical properties were characterised by Vickers hardness measurements and tensile tests.

7th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2008, 4A: Process/Microstructure 1, Paper 01