Influence of heat input/multiple passes and post weld heat treatment on strength/electrochemical characteristics of friction stir weld joint

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe V-95 and D-19 precipitation hardened Russian aluminum alloys are widely used in the Russian aircraft industry and these alloys are not weldable by conventional fusion weld techniques. This paper intends to evaluate the effect of spindle and weld speed on joint strength characteristics of a single pass (SP) and double pass (DP) friction stir lap weld through a common heat index and to analyze the effect of retrogression and re-ageing treatment (RRA) on joint strength and corrosion characteristics. The strength characteristics were analyzed by welding and shear testing of specimens and corrosion susceptibility of joint through immersion in EXCO solution as per ASTM G34. The trials revealed that the joint strength of the welded alloy is inversely proportional to the heat index and the DP weld provided significantly higher strength than an SP weld. The heat affected zone of the joint was found most sensitized to corrosion. The RRA treatment was found to improve the strength of the joints welded with higher heat input while it slightly degraded the joint strength for low heat input welds. The corrosion characteristics of the welded joint is also significantly improved by the post weld RRA treatment.