Mechanical properties of AA6061T6 and AA6351T6 plates joined by friction stir weldingMechanische Eigenschaften mittels Ruhrreibschweissen verbundener Bleche aus den Aluminiumlegierungen AA6061T6 und AA6351T6

In this study, friction stir welding using a vertical milling machine was performed to join 5 mm thick dissimilar AA6061-T6 and AA6351-T6 aluminium alloy plates. The friction stir welding was performed with cylindrical and square pin tools at the tool's different rotational and transverse speeds. A dye penetration test (non-destructive test) was performed to check cracks on welded joints ' surfaces. Tensile strength and hardness were investigated, and microstructure was analyzed. It showed that the welded surfaces were free from any cracks. The maximum ultimate tensile strength of 167.95 MPa was recorded for the square tool pin, while the maximum microhardness was 92 RHN for the cylindrical tool pin. The microstructure analysis of the cross-section of joints revealed good intermixing of material in the stir zone leading to improved mechanical properties for use in aerospace, automobile, and shipbuilding industries by managing the cost of aluminium welding and increased performance.

Automated summary

In this study, friction stir welding was used to join dissimilar aluminium alloy plates. The welding process was performed with different tool shapes and rotational/transverse speeds. Non-destructive testing, such as dye penetration test, was conducted to check the surface quality of the welded joints. The results showed that the welded surfaces were crack-free, and the mechanical properties were improved due to good material intermixing in the stir zone.