Temperature Distribution During Friction Stir Welding of AA2014 Aluminum Alloy: Experimental and Statistical Analysis

FSW has shown great potential to weld AA2014 heat-treatable aluminum alloy. But the effectiveness of joint in FSW depends on the temperature distribution across the length and width of weld zone. The present study aims to investigate the temperature distribution during FSW of AA2014 alloy. The temperatures were recorded at eight different positions by inserting K-type thermocouples on pre-drilled AA2014 alloy under different process parameters like tool rotation (N), welding speed (v) and tilt angle. These temperatures were recorded using two thermocouple layouts: First layout was equal distance and same depth on advancing side (AS) whereas second layout was equal distance and varying depth on retreating side (RS). Experimental results showed that by increasing the N/v ratio, the peak temperature increased whereas the peak temperature decreased by decreasing the N/v ratio. On the other hand, effect of tool tilt angle on peak temperature was also found to be significant and confirmed by experimental as well as statistical analysis. Furthermore, it was concluded that temperature was higher on AS compared to the RS. The conclusion drawn from statistical analysis was in good agreement with experimental results.