Experimental analysis of friction stir welded aviation grade AA8090 joints using Taguchi orthogonal array

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to predict the performance of friction stir welded AA8090 joint. Design/methodology/approach In the present study, Al-Li AA8090 plates are butt joined using friction stir welding (FSW). The experiments are designed and optimized using a Taguchi-orthogonal array. The experiments are conducted at three different process parameters, i.e. tool rotational speed (TRS), tool transverse speed (TTS) and dwell time (DT). The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and microhardness (MH) are considered as response parameters. In addition, a statistical tool (ANOVA) is used to check the adequacy of experiment results. Findings The maximum UTS of 220 MPa is obtained at a TRS of 1,400 rpm, tool TTS of 40 mm/min and DT of 15 s. The maximum microhardness is obtained for 1,400 rpm, 25 mm/min and 8 s, i.e. 108.6 HV. The microstructural showed that the minimum grain is observed at the nugget zone. Fractography analysis revealed the ductile behaviour of fractured surfaces. Originality/value From the reported literature, it has been observed that very limited work is reported on the FSW of AA8090 alloy. Further, the thermal behaviour of welded joint is also observed in this experimental work.