Investigations of the effect of the tool rotational speed on friction stir welded joint on aluminium metal matrix hybrid composite

Abstract

Abstract Aluminium alloy based hybrid composites with ceramic reinforcements has caught the interest of research nowadays. The addition of more than one reinforcement in aluminium alloy matrix leads to the fabrication of Aluminium Metal Matrix Hybrid Composite (AMMHC). The need for the present investigation arrives from the above considerations in exploring the potential of joining the newly developed AMMHC for automobile applications. The stir casted Al 6063 with reinforcement 5% wt. Silicon Carbide (SiC) and 5% wt. Boron Carbide (B4C) was prepared and joined by friction stir welding (FSW) route. The prime experimental work has been tried out in the FSW process by varying Tool Rotational Speed (TRS) from 800-1200 rpm. The effect of TRS on AMMHCs was studied by evaluating macro and microstructural parameters followed by microhardness and ultimate tensile strength. It was seen that the1000 rpm of TRS gives better properties than other processing conditions. This effect of TRS revealed that fine particle dispersion followed by higher join strength can be obtained for AMMHC. This fabrication of AMMHC and the FSW processing parameter was recommended for automobile component applications.