Rotary friction welded C45 to 16NiCr6 steel rods: statistical optimization coupled to mechanical and microstructure approaches

In the present work, dissimilar joints between C45 carbon steel and nickel-chromium 16NiCr6 rods were produced using rotary friction welding process. Statistical analysis based on response surface methodology (RSM), microstructural examination scanning electron microscopy with backscattered diffraction (EBSD) mechanical tests performed to investigate weld joints. The results showed that time rotation speed most effective parameters joint quality highest t-ration of − 4.27, where maximum bending strength 1406.9 MPa was obtained at 2000 rpm for 13 s time. Increasing resulted in remarkable decrease grain size (about 35%) interface, which increased hardness (350HV0.1) elastic modulus (260 GPa).