Heat-affected zone

About: Heat-affected zone is a(n) research topic. Over the lifetime, 18787 publication(s) have been published within this topic receiving 231744 citation(s).

Friction Stir Welding and Processing

Abstract: Friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new solid-state joining process. This joining technique is energy efficient, environment friendly, and versatile. In particular, it can be used to join high-strength aerospace aluminum alloys and other metallic alloys that are hard to weld by conventional fusion welding. FSW is considered to be the most significant development in metal joining in a decade. Recently, friction stir processing (FSP) was developed for microstructural modification of metallic materials. In this review article, the current state of understanding and development of the FSW and FSP are addressed. Particular emphasis has been given to: (a) mechanisms responsible for the formation of welds and microstructural refinement, and (b) effects of FSW/FSP parameters on resultant microstructure and final mechanical properties. While the bulk of the information is related to aluminum alloys, important results are now available for other metals and alloys. At this stage, the technology diffusion has significantly outpaced the fundamental understanding of microstructural evolution and microstructure–property relationships.

Microstructural investigation of friction stir welded 7050-T651 aluminium

Abstract: The grain structure, dislocation density and second phase particles in various regions including the dynamically recrystallized zone (DXZ), thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and heat affected zone (HAZ) of a friction stir weld aluminum alloy 7050-T651 were investigated and compared with the unaffected base metal. The various regions were studied in detail to better understand the microstructural evolution during friction stir welding (FSW). The microstructural development in each region was a strong function of the local thermo-mechanical cycle experienced during welding. Using the combination of structural characteristics observed in each weld region, a new dynamic recrystallization model has been proposed. The precipitation phenomena in different weld regions are also discussed.

Properties of friction-stir-welded 7075 T651 aluminum

Abstract: Friction stir welding (FSW), a new welding technique invented at TWI, was used to weld 7075 T651 aluminum, an alloy considered essentially unweldable by fusion processes. This weld process exposed the alloy to a short time, high-temperature spike, while introducing extensive localized deformation. Studies were performed on these solid-state welds to determine mechanical properties both in the longitudinal direction, i.e., within the weld nugget, and, more conventionally, transverse to the weld direction. Because of the unique weld procedure, a fully recrystallized fine grain weld nugget was developed. In addition, proximate to the nugget, both a thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and heat affected zone (HAZ) were created. During welding, temperatures remained below the melting point and, as such, no cast or resolidification microstructure was developed. However, within the weld nugget, a banded microstructure that influences room-temperature fracture behavior was created. In the as-welded condition, weld nugget strength decreased, while ductility remained high. A low-temperature aging treatment failed to fully restore T651 strength and significantly reduced tensile ductility. Samples tested transverse to the weld direction failed in the HAZ, where coarsened precipitates caused localized softening. Subsequent low-temperature aging further reduced average strain to failure without affecting strength. Although reductions in strength and ductility were observed, in comparison to other weld processes, FSW offers considerable potential for welding 7075 T651 aluminum.

Effects of friction stir welding on microstructure of 7075 aluminum

Abstract: Friction stir welding is a relatively new technique developed by The Welding Institute (TWI) for the joining of aluminum alloys. The technique, based on friction heating at the faying surfaces of two pieces to be joined, results in a joint created by interface deformation, heat, and solid-state diffusion. In evaluating friction stir welding, critical issues (beyond a sound joint) include microstructure control and localized mechanical property variations. A serious problem with fusion welding, even when a sound weld can be made, is the complete alteration of microstructure and the attendant loss of mechanical properties. Being a solid-state process, friction stir welding has the potential to avoid significant changes in microstructure and mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microstructural changes effected by friction stir welding of 7075 Al.

Microstructure, mechanical properties and residual stresses as a function of welding speed in aluminium AA5083 friction stir welds

Abstract: Friction stir welding (FSW), like other friction welding techniques, has the advantage that many of the welding parameters, e.g. tool design, rotation speed and translation speed, can be controlled in a precise manner, thus controlling the energy input into the system. However, the effect of different welding speeds on the weld properties remains an area of uncertainty. In this paper, we report the results of microstructural, mechanical property and residual stress investigations of four aluminium AA5083 friction stir welds produced under varying conditions. It was found that the weld properties were dominated by the thermal input rather than the mechanical deformation by the tool.