Reinforcement strategies for producing functionally graded materials by friction stir processing in aluminium alloys

The present work addresses the production of aluminium based FGM composites by friction based processes, namely FSP and a consumable tool approach. Several strategies were investigated, featuring the use of SiC and alumina reinforcements. These strategies were implemented and surfaces analyzed to evaluate the influence of deposition and processing on particle distribution and homogeneity. Three strategies were studied: a square shaped groove packed with reinforcement particles, the pre-deposition of a uniform layer of particles prior to FSP with a non consumable tool, and the last one consisted of a consumable rod in aluminium drilled with holes placed in different positions along a radial line filled with reinforcing particles. Coatings were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as, hardness testing. The strategies investigated proved to be possible in the production of surface layers reinforced with hard materials by FSP in aluminium based alloys. While the pre-deposition of reinforcements directly on plate surface enables the simplest approach to produce composites by FSP, the packing of reinforcements in grooves can increase the composite layer thickness. The consumable rod approach allows depositing composite layers soundly bonded to the substrate while avoiding FSP tool wear.     

搅拌摩擦加工Al-Pb表面复合材料的微结构和织构

采用搅拌摩擦加工(FSP)方法制备Al-Pb表面复合材料,以提高其减摩抗磨性能,使用SEM、EBSD、纳米压痕仪和显微硬度计等分析其微观组织、织构和硬度分布。结果表明:使用FSP方法制备Al-Pb表面复合材料,Pb颗粒受到重力和搅拌作用,主要分布于盆状搅拌加工区的底部。塑性金属对流形成的洋葱环结构中,存在富Pb片层和形变铝基体片层。富Pb片层内的Pb颗粒,起到了良好的细化晶粒作用。形变铝基体片层分布有少量直径约100 nm的新生Pb粒。受到细晶强化作用影响,富Pb颗粒区的硬度显著高于形变铝基体。加工区底部的SZ-AS区形成强Cube再结晶织构;SZ-RS区形成Cube织构和少量Brass织构;CSZ区的Cube织构较少,{111}织构增强;上部的AS区形成强Goss织构,RS区织构相对随机。     

Functionally graded materials produced by friction stir processing

An investigation was conducted in order to produce aluminium based functionally graded MMC reinforced by SiC ceramic particles with median size of 118.8, 37.4 and 12.3 μm. AA5083 aluminium alloy plates in the H111 and partially annealed conditions were processed. Several strategies for reinforcement were investigated and its influence on the particle distribution and homogeneity was studied. A square shaped groove packed with reinforcement particles of SiC was studied and it was seen that it was more effective when the groove was placed under the probe. If the groove was placed outside the probe interaction area, but within the shoulder influence area, insufficient dispersion of particles was observed. Small particles lead to higher concentration along the bead surface and to smooth fraction gradients both in depth and along the direction parallel to the surface. The thickness of the reinforced layer depends of particle size within the parametric conditions and the tool geometry used in this investigation.     

Using friction stir processing to fabricate MgAlZn intermetallic alloys

Friction stir processing (FSP) is applied in mixing elemental thin sheets of Mg, Al, and Zn in various portions, resulting in hard intermetallic alloys with Vicker’s hardness in excess of 350. The Mg₃Al₂Zn₃ τ phase formed at 360 °C during FSP, coupled with some other binary or ternary phases of nano size, accounts for the high hardness.     

Microstructural characterization and corrosion behavior of multipass friction stir processed AA2219 aluminium alloy

Multipass friction stir processing of AA 2219-T87 aluminium alloy to a depth of 2 mm in a 5 mm plate resulted in fine α-Al grains, reduction and dissolution of both eutectic phase (CuAl₂) and the strengthening precipitates (CuAl₂). Anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance tests in 3.5% NaCl showed an improved corrosion resistance of the processed alloy, which increased with the number of passes. Salt spray and immersion tests also showed improved resistance to corrosion. The increased resistance to corrosion is attributed to the dissolution of CuAl₂ particles, which was established by XRD and DSC studies.     

Modification of thermally sprayed cemented carbide layer by friction stir processing

The modification of a thermally sprayed cemented carbide (WC-CrC-Ni) layer by friction stir processing (FSP) was studied. The cemented carbide layer was successfully modified using a sintered cemented carbide (WC-Co) tool. The defects in the cemented carbide layer disappeared and the hardness of the cemented carbide layer increased to ∼ 2000 HV, which was about 1.5 times higher than that of the as-sprayed cemented carbide layer. Additionally, the cemented carbide layer was bonded to the SKD61 (Nominal composition: 0.35-0.42 mass% C, 0.8-1.2 mass% Si, 0.25-0.5 mass% Mn, 4.8-5.5 mass% Cr, 1.0-1.5 mass% Mo, 0.8-1.2 mass% V, balance Fe) substrate by diffusion of the metallic elements and the distortion of the coating-substrate interface producing a mechanical interlocking effect.     

Optimisation of friction stir processing parameters to produce sound and fine grain layers in pure magnesium

The effects of friction stir processing (FSP) parameters such as rotational, traverse speeds and tool penetration depth on the formation of fine and defect free magnesium layers were investigated. The achieved microstructures were optically studied, and the microhardness profile of the optimised workpiece was measured. The results show that rotational and traverse speeds as well as their ratio play key roles in achieving a sound friction stir processed workpiece of pure Mg. In addition, at constant rotational and traverse speeds, when the penetration depth increases, the title angle must also increases in order to have a defect free workpiece. At optimum conditions, one pass FSP significantly refined the grain size from 3 mm in the as received magnesium to 14·6 μm in friction stir process layer. The microhardness of the fabricated layer reached to about 1·6 times that of the base metal.     

Evaluation of heat input during friction stir welding of aluminium alloys

Heat input is one of the key parameters governing the quality and service properties of friction stir welds. By using a calorimetric technique, the heat inputs generated during the friction stir welding of the aluminium alloys, 1100 and 5083, were measured over a wide range of welding parameters. An empirical equation to estimate the heat input using the welding parameters was established based on a multiple regression analysis of the results. The effect of the heat input on the final grain size of the stir zone was also investigated by the electron backscatter diffraction method. The quantitative relationships between the input variables, heat inputs, and final grain sizes in the stir zone were derived.     

《搅拌摩擦加工制备GNPs/Al复合材料的微观结构与力学性能》

本文以纯铝为基体,利用搅拌摩擦加工(FSP)制备GNPs/Al复合材料,研究了复合材料基体组织、增强相与界面等微观结构与力学性能,探讨了其增强机理。结果表明,添加GNPs并经FSP后复合材料基体晶粒得到明显细化且晶界由小角度为主转变为大角度为主;FSP制备过程致使GNPs片层一定程度剥离的同时,较大片径的GNPs被破碎而形成众多边缘缺陷,使其易发生Al-C原子扩散,结果在GNPs边缘与基体形成界面过渡;GNPs加入量约1.8vol%时,复合材料的屈服强度和抗拉强度达到72MPa和147MPa,较同等条件FSP的基体分别提高了89.5%和79.3%,理论计算界面载荷传递、Orowan和细晶强化依次是复合材料的主要增强机制;随着GNPs加入量的增加,复合材料屈服强度实验值与理论值的增长趋势一致,且偏差也略有提高,但可能因GNPs在复合材料中的杂乱排布,界面载荷传递强化不能充分发挥,实际的复合材料屈服强度与理论值尚有差距。     

Fatigue properties of friction stir welded joint of ultrafine-grained 2024 aluminium alloy

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) 2024 aluminium alloy prepared by the equal channel angular pressing was friction stir welded (FSW). The high cycle fatigue and crack growth behaviour of the FSW joint were investigated in air and NaCl solution, respectively. This study demonstrated that FSW was a viable technique for joining UFG materials. The UFG microstructure was retained in the nugget zone (NZ). Compared with the UFG base metal (BM), FSW joint exhibited lower ultimate tensile strength and hardness, and the minimum hardness value was located in the heat affected zone (HAZ). NaCl solution significantly reduced the fatigue strength of FSW joint. Fatigue crack propagation rates in the NZ and HAZ were slower than that in the BM in the whole fatigue life.     

On the thermo-mechanical loads and the resultant residual stresses in friction stir processing operations

In friction stir welding and processing both a thermal flux and a mechanical action are exerted on the material determining metallurgical evolutions, changes in the mechanical behaviour and a complex residual stress state. In the paper, the metallurgical changes are examined through numerical simulation and experiments to highlight and distinguish the effects of thermal and mechanical loadings. A particular focus is made on the residual stresses generated during the stir processing of AA7075-T6 aluminium blanks. The predictions of FE model are validated by experimental measurements. Lastly, this paper presents an in-process quenching of the processed blanks for improved mechanical properties and microstructure.     

Critical review on friction stir welding of aluminium to copper

The status quo of aluminium-to-copper joining by friction stir welding (FSW) drastically changed in recent years, as a result of the increased interest of the scientific community on this subject. Actually, since 2006 a large increase in the number of research groups addressing Al–Cu FSW has been witnessed all over the world, together with a significant increase in the amount of published studies. A chronological perspective on the evolution in Al–Cu FSW research is provided in this work, highlighting the pioneer and original contribution of several researchers to the current knowledge on the subject. Detailed and comprehensive investigations on the material flow mechanisms, the phenomena governing the formation and distribution of intermetallic phases during Al–Cu FSW, their relations with the welding parameters and their impact on the morphological, structural and mechanical properties of the welds are thoroughly discussed. The main findings reported in the literature are summarised in thematic tables.     

Mechanical properties and microstructure analysis of refilling friction stir welding on 2219 aluminum alloy

The 2219 aluminum alloy under refilling friction stir welding (RF-FSW) was investigated. The micrographs showed that the bead could be divided into six zones, and the grain size and shape were greatly different in these zones. According to the microstructure analysis, the weld nugget zone and the shoulder stirring zone consisted of equiaxed grains, while the grains in the heat affected zone were seriously coarsened. It was obvious that bending deformation occurred in the thermo-mechanically affected zone. According to the microhardness analysis, the lowest hardness of the weld was at the thermo-mechanically affected zone, and the microhardness increased with the retraction of the stir-pin. The tensile strength and elongation of the bead were 70% and 80% of the base metal, respectively. The tensile strength was slightly different for the stable stage and the retraction stage, while the elongation decreased in the retraction stage. The mechanical properties and microstructure responded to different retraction speed were analyzed, and it showed that the elongation decreased with increasing retraction speed.     

Development of ceramic backing for friction stir welding and processing

Usually, a workpiece is deformed during friction stir welding due to high applied loads. Consequently, fully and consolidated friction stir-welded joints as well as tool life time can be affected promoting unscheduled manufacturing stops, which favour decreasing the welding productivity. Furthermore, the workforce is dislocated to not predicted maintenance steps. This work proposes the development of a special ceramic backing to joining and processing material using FSW technologies. Four ceramic deposits were tested over a steel plate, which allowed selecting those with less porosity and, thus, better strength. This backing allowed us to obtain full penetration welds for duplex stainless steels, to high forces during engagement for high-strength low-alloy steels and to obtain consolidated aluminium–steel dissimilar joints. For the last one, there was not adherence of the soft material in the workpiece. In addition, the ceramic backing allowed us to confine the heat and plasticized metal, as well as develop established welding parameters.     

Influence of aluminium alloy type on dissimilar friction stir lap welding of aluminium to copper

A heat-treatable (AA 6082) and a non-heat treatable (AA 5083) aluminium alloys were friction stir lap welded to copper using the same welding parameters. Macro and microscopic analysis of the welds enabled to detect important differences in welding results, according to the aluminium alloy type. Whereas important internal defects, resulting from ineffective materials mixing, were detected for the AA 5083/copper welds, a relatively uniform material mixing was detected in the AA 6082/copper welds. Micro-hardness testing and XRD analysis also showed important differences in microstructural evolution for both types of welds. TEM and EBSD-based study of the AA 5083/copper welds revealed the formation of submicron-sized microstructures in the stirred aluminium region, for which untypically high hardness values were registered.     

Enhanced mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr casting via friction stir processing

Mg-10Gd-3Y-0.5Zr casting was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP) at a tool rotation rate of 800 rpm and a traverse speed of 50 mm/min. FSP resulted in the fundamental dissolution of the coarse network-like β-Mg₅(Gd,Y) phase and remarkable grain refinement (∼6.1 μm), thereby significantly improving the strength and ductility of the casting. Post-FSP aging resulted in the precipitation of fine β′′ and β′ particles in a fine-grained magnesium matrix, producing an ultimate tensile strength of 439 MPa and a yield strength of 330 MPa. FSP combined with aging is a simple and effective approach to enhancing the mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zr casting.     

High strength lap joint of aluminium and stainless steels fabricated by friction stir welding with cutting pin

Abstract

Dissimilar lap joints of aluminium and stainless steel were first friction stir welded by the tool with a cutting pin. The results showed that sound joints could be obtained by this method. When the pin was inserted into the lower steel sheet, macrointerlocks were formed by the steel flashes plugging into the upper aluminium at both sides of the nugget bottom. At the aluminium/steel interface, a thin intermetallic compound (IMC) layer and the mechanical bonding of microinterlocks were formed. In addition, the aluminium near the interface was also strengthened by grain refinement and IMC particles. Therefore, the beneficial effect of the macrointerlocks provided by the steel flashes was removed, the shear strength of the joint reached 89·7 MPa, which was even higher than that of the base metal of aluminium.     

CDRX modelling in friction stir welding of aluminium alloys

In the paper a numerical model aimed to the determination of the average grain size due to continuous dynamic recrystallization phenomena (CDRX) in friction stir welding processes of AA6082 T6 aluminum alloys is presented. In particular, the utilized model takes into account the local effects of strain, strain rate and temperature; an inverse identification approach, based on a linear regression procedure, is utilized in order to develop the proper material characterization.     

Local enhancement of the material properties of aluminium sheets by a combination of additive manufacturing and friction stir processing

Friction stir processing (FSP) is combined with additive manufacturing (AM) with selective laser melting to locally enhance the material properties of a metallic part. A groove inside aluminium 1060 alloy sheet is filled with an aluminium 7075 alloy powder by AM. FSP is then applied to the AMed region along the groove. The suggested technique creates a heterogeneous microstructure with alternating reinforcement-enriched and matrix-enriched regions. While the overall hardness of the stir zone (SZ) increases significantly, the heterogeneous microstructure results in a unique uneven hardness distribution in the SZ. Tensile tests confirm the effectiveness of the suggested technique.