Assessment of Optimum Mechanical Properties for Friction Stir Welding of Pure Copper and Aluminium Bronze

Abstract

Joining Aluminium Bronze and copper alloys has more comprehensive applications like power distribution, marine and automotive sectors and conventional fusion welding techniques impairs the weld quality owing to the high temperatures required. Friction stir welding is a preferred technique for fusing these alloys. This process eliminates many common problems associated with fusion welding like oxidization of aluminium, porosity, hot cracking. In recent years, there has been a lot of research into employing friction stir welding to fuse incompatible metals and alloys. Mechanical parameters such as hardness, yield strength elongation and ultimate tensile strength in friction stir welded joints of pure copper and aluminium bronze are investigated in this study. Each of the parameters, such as axial force, tool rotational speed and traverse speed was varied three levels each. A mathematical model based on a face-centered central composite design was used to study the effect of welding parameters on output responses. The selected friction stir welding parameters have a considerable impact on the output responses that are measured. The optimum process parameters for increasing the mechanical characteristics of welded joints were determined to be 1000 rpm tool rotation speed, 30 mm/min traverse speed, and 4.5 kN axial force.