Welding parameters optimization during plunging and dwelling phase of FSW 2219 aluminum alloy thick plate

Abstract

The influence of welding parameters on temperature distribution during plunging and dwelling phase of friction stir welding (FSW) 2219 aluminum alloy thick plate has not been studied. Improper selection of welding parameters will result in uneven temperature distribution along with the thickness of the weldment, leading to welding defects and ultimately affecting the mechanical properties of the weldment. To achieve the prediction of temperature distribution and the optimization of welding parameters, a simulation process model of FSW 18-mm-thick 2219 aluminum alloy is established based on DEFORM. The validity of the simulation is verified by experiments. With the minimum temperature difference in the core area of the weldment as the target value and weldable temperature range of 2219 aluminum alloy as the constraint conditions, orthogonal experiments are conducted considering the rotational speed, the press amount, the tool tilt angle, the plunging traverse speed and the dwelling time. The results of variance analysis show that the rotational speed and the dwelling time are significant factors affecting the temperature field during the plunging and dwelling phase. Through single factor simulation, the welding parameters during the plunging and dwelling phase are optimized. This study guides the selection of welding parameters of the FSW 2219 aluminum alloy thick plate.