Effect of Axial Force on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Of Friction Stir Welded Squeeze Cast A413 Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

In this investigation an attempt has been made to study the influence of axial force on the mechanical and metallurgical properties of friction stir welded squeeze cast A413 aluminium alloy joints. Squeeze casting process brings together the advantage of conventional permanent mould casting and general forging technology. Samples were produced by varying the squeeze pressure ranging from 0.1 MPa to 170 MPa to investigate the effect of squeeze pressure on microstructure and mechanical properties. At 140 MPa squeeze pressure, sound casting were produced. The sound squeeze cast samples were friction stir welded by varying the axial force. Friction stir welding (FSW) is an improved edition of traditional welding has the potential to weld materials formerly very difficult to weld without defects. The axial force ranging from 2 kN to 7 kN was used to fabricate the joints. Microstructure, tensile and hardness tests were performed on all the joints and were related with the stir zone microstructure and hardness. It was found from the investigation that the joint fabricated with an axial force of 5 kN exhibits superior microstructual and mechanical properties.