MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF 6061-T651 ALUMINUM ALLOY WELDED BY FRICTION STIR WELDING

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding ( FSW ) is a solid –state process leads to several advantage over fusion welding methods. This process used a non-consumable tool to generate frictional heat required to performance sound joint. Tool pin profile, rotational speed, welding speed, play a major role to determine the weld quality .In this study, the effect of welding parameters (tool pin profile, rotational speed, welding speed) on mechanical properties and microstructure of 6061-T651 aluminum alloy joints are investigated. Results showed that tensile strength increases with welding speed and reaches a maximum value (235.7MPa)with welding parameters 900rpm,189mm/min threaded cylindrical pin and impact energy increased from 11J to 20j at weldingparameters:900rpm,116mm/min for threaded cylindrical pin. Also microstructure showed a fine grains with defect- free in weld zone.