Effect of Tool Rotational Speed on Temperature and Impact Strength of Friction Stir Welded Joint of Two Dissimilar Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

The joining of dissimilar AA6101 T6 and AA6351 T6 aluminium plates of 12mm thickness was carried out by friction stir welding (FSW) technique. In the present investigation, the aluminum alloys were welded with the tool rotational speed of 900, 1100 and 1300 rpm and at a constant welding speed of 16 mm/min. Temperature profiles were measured near the heat-affected zone (HAZ) using thermocouples. Charpy V- notch impact test was carried out to analyze the impact strength of the welded specimen. With increasing the tool rotational speed impact strength behavior shows a substantial change in mechanical properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fracture pattern of impact test samples which was observed to be a ductile fibrous fracture. The final results indicate that friction stir welding of dissimilar AA6101T6 & AA6351T6 aluminum alloys may be an alternative to the conventional joining techniques.