Parametric Investigations on Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloys

Abstract

FSW process are widely used in various automobile and aerospace industries nowadays, which encouraged us to take up this work for doing research. This paper reports the experimental investigations on the effects of process parameters, i.e., tool rotational speed, weld speed and tilt angle on the responses, i.e., tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation in dissimilar welding of Aluminum alloys of different grades using the solid-state welding technique Friction Stir Welding process. In view of the costlier process, Taguchi L9 is used for carrying out the research. As it is a complex process, to identify the significant variables, initial trial experiments are done on the same parent materials. Based on them, ranges are also found out for each input process parameter. A total of three input process parameters (tool rotational speed, weld speed, and tilt angle) are chosen for study and the output responses measured are tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation. ASTM standards are used in preparing the work pieces. After measuring its output responses, main effects are studied between the input process parameters versus output responses. This analysis can be further used in predicting the empirical equations with which the process can be automated based on the optimal values and microstructural investigations done.