Abstract
Friction stir welding (FSW) is established as one of the prominent welding techniques to join aluminium matrix composites (AMCs). It is a solid state welding process, takes place well below the melting temperature of the material, eliminates the detrimental effects of conventional fusion welding process. Although the process is capable to join AMCs, challenges are still open that need to be fulfill to widen its applications. This paper gives the outline of the friction stir welding technique used to join AMCs. Effect of process variables on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints, behavior of reinforcing materials during welding, effect of tool profiles on the joint strength are discussed in detail. Few improvements and direction for future research are also proposed.
Highlights
Aluminium Matrix composites reinforced with particulates are considered as an ideal material for aerospace automotive, marine application as it displays better mechanical properties compared to aluminium and its alloys
The zones are classified as Nugget zone (NZ) or stirred zone (SZ), Thermo mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), Heat affected zone (HAZ) and the parent or base material (PM or BM) as shown in the Fig. 2
As a solid state joining technique, Friction stir welding (FSW) eliminates the defects of conventional fusion welding in aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) such as non-uniform distribution of reinforcements, formation of deleterious phases, porosity etc
Summary
Aluminium Matrix composites reinforced with particulates are considered as an ideal material for aerospace automotive, marine application as it displays better mechanical properties compared to aluminium and its alloys. Wang et al [15] and Salih et al [16] gave a detailed review on FSW of aluminium based metal matrix composites. Significance of FSW process variables on microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints are discussed in detail in their reviews. Fenoel et al [17] systematically reviewed FSW of Metal matrix composites with various kinds of matrix material. They discussed modification occurs in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the friction stir welded zones in detail. Effects of FSW process on mechanical properties, micro and macrostructure of AMCs, welding defects and wear of tools are explained in the subsequent sections. The paper is ended with Conclusion and future research directions
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