Tensile and cyclic deformation response of friction-stir-welded dissimilar aluminum alloy joints: Strain localization effect

Abstract

Cyclic deformation behavior of friction-stir-welded dissimilar AA2024-T351 to AA7075-T65 aluminum alloy joints was evaluated via stepwise tests at different strain rates, along with transmission electron microscopy examinations to characterize the precipitates required to assess internal stresses. Electron backscatter diffraction was employed to observe the inhomogeneous microstructures of the FSWed joints. Strain localization appeared in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of AA2024 side. After cyclic deformation of 500 cycles at a total strain amplitude of 0.5 %, the strength of the dissimilar joints resumed basically to that of AA2024 base material. And the AA2024 HAZ was obviously hardened, which should be attributed to the introduced dislocations during cyclic deformation process. Cyclic hardening capacity of the joints increased with decreasing strain rate.