Elucidating of tool rotational speed in friction stir welding of 7020-T6 aluminum alloy

The 7020-T6 aluminum alloy plates of 4 mm thickness were friction stir welded at rotational speeds of 400, 600, 800, and 1000 rpm and constant traverse speed of 100 mm/min. The peak temperatures of the joints were recorded by precise thermocouples. Microstructure, hardness, tensile properties, and fracture surfaces of the joints were analyzed. The results showed that decreasing the tool rotational speed from 1000 to 400 rpm decreased the peak temperature from 311 to 209 A degrees C, and hence caused a lower heat input. In addition, lower rotational speeds result in higher hardness and tensile strengths. The higher hardness and ultimate tensile strength were related to the grain boundary, precipitation, and substructure strengthening mechanisms. In addition, the fracture surfaces of the joints welded at higher heat input conditions showed more ductile mode in comparison with that of welded at lower heat input condition, which confirmed the lower tensile elongation of the joints welded at lower rotational speeds.