Abstract
The precipitation sequence in friction stir weld of 6063 aluminum during postweld aging, associated with Vickers hardness profiles, has been examined by transmission electron microscopy. Friction stir welding produces a softened region in the weld, which is characterized by dissolution and growth of the precipitates. The precipitate-dissolved region contains a minimum hardness region in the aswelded condition. In the precipitate-dissolved region, postweld aging markedly increases the density of strengthening precipitates and leads to a large increase in hardness. On the other hand, aging forms few new precipitates in the precipitate-coarsened region, which shows a slight increase in hardness. The postweld aging at 443 K for 43.2 ks (12 hours) gives greater hardness in the overall weld than in the as-received base material and shifts the minimum hardness from the as-welded minimum hardness region to the precipitate-coarsened region. These hardness changes are consistent with the subsequent precipitation behavior during postweld aging. The postweld solution heat treatment (SHT) and aging achieve a high density of strengthening precipitates and bring a high hardness homogeneously in the overall weld.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
