On mechanical characterization of Tungsten Inert Gas and Friction Stir Welding butt joints of 6061 T6 aluminium alloy
Authors: antonino squillace, giuseppe giorleo, umberto prisco, luigi nele, emanuele sarno
Abstract
The results of an experimental investigation on butt weld joints of AA 6061 T6, realized using two different welding techniques: Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and Friction Stir Welding (FSW), are reported. A comparison is proposed between performances and behaviour shown by the two kinds of joints in terms of microstructure, modifications induced with respect to parent alloy and of mechanical properties. Microstructure has been investigated by mean of optical microscopy and micro-hardness measurements. Mechanical properties have been evaluated by means of tensile tests. Bending tests have been carried out to further characterise the residual ductility of joints. Results show the influent of the initial heat treatment of the alloy, especially in terms of modifications induced to the microstructure of different zones of the joints and in terms of loss of mechanical properties. FSW joints, however, show better results than TIG ones; the influence of FSW tool dimensions has been put in evidence too.
| Attachment | Size |
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| Squillace et al.wmv | 12.67 MB |
