Abstract
Abstract The long term natural aging behavior of friction stir welded aluminum 7136-T76 and 7042 T6 extrusions was investigated. The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties in the as-welded and six years naturally aged conditions were studied and correlated to a coupled thermal/material flow model of the joining process. Hardness profiles for the 7136 alloy taken along the mid-plane thickness of the workpiece displayed the characteristic W-shape. With natural aging, hardness recovery occurred on both sides of the weld, but the position of the hardness minima, particularly on the advancing side, shifted away from the weld centerline. The hardness profile for the 7042 alloy displayed U-shape in the as-welded condition and W-shape after natural aging. The hardness behavior upon natural aging correlated to the temperature profile developed during welding and the degree to which phase dissolution occurred in the regions adjacent to the stir zone.
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