Fatigue properties of cast aluminium joints by FSW and MIG welding

Abstract

Fatigue properties of cast aluminium welded joints by friction stir welding (FSW) and MIG welding were investigated, comparing with that of the base plate. Fatigue crack propagation tests for the da/dN − ΔK relation and bending fatigue tests for the S–N relation were carried out. Fatigue cracks in both FSW and MIG specimens were accelerated, when the fatigue crack tip reached the stir zone or the weld metal. This behaviour was discussed based on the crack closure induced by the crack surface roughness and the residual stress. In the S–N properties, the influence of specimen surface finishing on fatigue life was also examined. Fatigue lives of the FSW and MIG specimens in the ‘as weld’ condition were in the range of the largely scattered base plate fatigue lives, in spite of the different fatigue crack initiation sites in each specimen such as the porosity in the base plate, the tool mark bottom in the FSW and the weld toe in the MIG. The FSW specimens with the polished surface showed the particular improvement in fatigue strength for finite fatigue life.