Identifying the combination of friction stir welding parameters to attain maximum strength of AA2014-T6 aluminum alloy joints

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to identify the combination of friction stir welding parameters such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, tool tilt angle and shoulder diameter to maximize tensile strength of butt joints of AA2014-T6 aluminum alloy. Statistical tools such as design of experiments, analysis of variance were used to develop the empirical relationship, to predict the ultimate tensile strength of the joint at the 95% confidence level. Response surface graph and contour plots were constructed using response surface methodology concept. From this investigation, it is found that the joint fabricated with certain processing parameters exhibited maximum tensile strength.