Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of FSW Joints Between AA6101-T6 and AA6351-T6 Dissimilar Al Alloys

Friction stir welding of AA6101-T6 and AA6351-T6 dissimilar Aluminium alloys has been carried out at constant welding speed using a tapered cylindrical threaded tool pin with varying rotational speed. Change in microstructure and hardness near heat affected zone, nugget zone, and Thermo mechanically affected zone have been examined. Tensile tests results showed that the minimum loss of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength with minimised microstructural distortion in the weld correspond to 1100 r.p.m of tool speed. Electron probe micro analysis with energy dispersive spectroscopy result shows that the breakdown of inter granular precipitate of Mg₂Si is found to be equiaxed and it minimizes the heat affected zone, thus attributing to the increase of strength compared to welded joints of 900 and 1300 r.p.m tool speed. The mass% of Si decreases with increase in tool speed and forms finer Mg₂Si precipitates that attributes to reduction in strength with fibrous fracture appearance.