Optimization of dissimilar AA5052-H32 and AA5083-H111 aluminium FSW joints with scandium interfacial layer

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines the influence of friction stir welding (FSW) on the mechanical and metallurgical characteristics of scandium interfacial layered dissimilar AA5052-H32 and AA5083-H111 aluminium alloy FSW joints. The ultimate tensile strength and microhardness are found to be most affected by the welding speed, tool rotating speed, and axial load. During experimental trials based on the central composite design, the input welding parameters were optimized using the response surface approach. Peak ultimate tensile strength (234.07 MPa) and microhardness (95 HV) were measured for ideal parameters of tool rotation speed = 1000 rpm, welding speed = 28 mm/min, and axial load = 10 kN. The presence of scandium interfacial layer and optimized parameters enhanced the mechanical properties of the joint and generated a fine-grained microstructure. The current work is unique in that it uses this alloy combination to do parametric optimization of the scandium interfacial layered dissimilar aluminium alloy FSW joint.