The Effect of the Cutting Depth of the Tool Friction Stir Process on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructures of Aluminium Alloy 6061-T6

Abstract

In this study, friction stir process (FSP) is used to enhance surface properties of the AA6061-T6 alloy. Friction stir process tool travel and rotation speeds effects on the surface topography, hardness, tension mechanical properties and microstructures of Aluminum alloy were studied. The cylindrical tool without pin diameter (20 mm), tool rotational speed (800 rpm) and travel speed (60 rpm) used in all friction stir processes (FSW) in this study. The test results and analysis of the current study indicated that the hardness increases with the cutting depth in the mixing friction processes. The crystal structure analysis revealed that the hardness increased in the case of two stages twice the case of one stage. It was also noted that the size of the engineering flaws granules became smaller and the size of these granules increased with the cutting depth. In addition, the ratio of granules size and the friction in the case of two stages was twice the case of one stage.