Abstract
The microstructural characteristics in an AZ31B-H24 magnesium alloy after friction stir processing (FSP) were examined. The effects of FSP parameters including forge force and traverse speed on the microstructure were evaluated. It was observed that the grain size increased from about 4 μm in the base metal to about 8 μm at the centre of the stir zone after FSP. The aspect ratio of the grains decreased towards the centre of the stir zone. The changes in the grain size and shape resulted in a drop in micro-indentation hardness from 75 HV in the base metal to about 55 HV at the centre of the stir zone. Increasing the forge force or decreasing the traverse speed increased the grain size due to a greater heat input. It was also observed that the annealing effects (recrystallization and subsequent softening) of FSP were less pronounced with increasing distance horizontally or vertically from the pin tool due to the presence of temperature gradient. Furthermore, the Hall-Petch type relationships between the microhardness and the grain size were found to be valid after FSP.
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