Effect of friction stir welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar AA2024-AA6061 joints

In the present study, to resolve the problems in fusion welding methods as well as to increase the strength, FSW method was used to join aluminum alloy sheets 6061 and 2024. Moreover, optimal parameters for joining of these two alloys were also taken into consideration. Various tool rotation speeds of 565, 950 and 1500 rpm were selected. For each tool rotation speed, two traverse speed variables, two penetration depth variables, and two tool angle variables were specified. The analysis of mechanical properties of welded samples was conducted through tensile and micro-hardness tests. Furthermore, microstructure of welding zone was investigated using optical and electron microscopes. The ratio of shoulder diameter to pin diameter is among the most significant and practical factors for welding tools. So, a shoulder diameter three times larger than that of pin diameter was selected. In the present study, alloy 2024 was placed at the precursor as the harder alloy. Tensile strength and indentation hardness of optimal specimen 300 MPa and 85 HV were achieved. Moreover, hardness behavior and tensile strength of heat-affected zone (HAZ) was evaluated to be lower in alloy 6061 compared to other zones.