PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF FRICTION STIR WELDING ON ALUMINIUM AA7075 AND AA2024 ALLOY MATERIAL

Abstract

Friction stir welding was invented at Welding institute, United Kingdom in the year 1991 and has ever since been proved to be one of the best solid state joining methods for materials such as aluminium and magnesium. Some of the aluminium alloys which are not weld able (Al-Cu, Al-Zn-Mg alloy) by fusion welding techniques, which produce defects and reduce the mechanical properties on the weld nugget could be welded using friction stir welding (FSW) successfully with excellent joint efficiencies. However effect of the process parameters on the properties of weld have not been investigated fully. In this study friction stir welding of aluminium alloys is selected for investigation. The welding process are to be conducted on varying the welding process parameters such as Tool rotation speed (RPM), Welding speed (mm/min), Downward force (KN) and Tool pin profile. The properties such as defects, microstructure, hardness, tensile and bend behaviour on welded plates are to be studied and compared with the base metal. Based on the results the process parameters are to be optimized.