Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characteristics of Friction Stir Welded Aluminium Matrix Composite

Abstract

Nowadays, friction stir welding process appears a promising technique to weld difficult materials by conventional welding techniques. Present study aims to analyse the significance of process variables on the mechanical behaviour of aluminium matrix composite joined by friction stir welding (FSW) technique. FSW is carried out at different welding conditions using conventional threaded cylindrical tool (TC). Microstructural study indicates several tiny reinforced particles are uniformly distributed in the nugget region. Recrystallization and grin refinement are observed in the weld area. Nugget region exhibits higher hardness compared to the base material. Joint efficiency of up to 89% is obtained for the FS-welded composite. The fracture surface reveals that the matrix undergoes a ductile fracture whereas reinforced particles exhibit brittle fracture. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.