Research of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Electron Beam Welding (EBW) Process for 6082-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the joining tests of the EN AW-6082 T6 alloy. The materials were joined using the EBW high-energy (electron beam welding) and friction stir welding (FSW) methods. In the case of FSW welding, the following parameters were used: the linear speed was 355 mm/min, and the rotational speed of the welding tool was 710. In the case of EBW welding, the following parameters were used: accelerating voltage U = 120 kV, beam intensity I = 18.7 mA, welding speed v = 1600 mm/min and, in the case of a smoothing weld, U = 80 kV, beam intensity I = 17 mA, and welding speed v = 700 mm/min. Comprehensive microstructural tests of all welded joints (MO, SEM and TEM) and mechanical property tests (tensile and hardness tests) were carried out. The topographies of the fractures after the tensile test were also examined. Based on the results, it was found that the strength properties of the EBW joint were reduced by 23% and the FSW joint by 38% compared to the base material. A decrease in elongation was also noted, with an FSW elongation of 7.2% and an elongation of 2.7% for EBW. In the case of the EBW joint, magnesium evaporation was found in the weld during welding, while in the FSW joint, the dissolution of the Mg2Si particles responsible for strengthening the material during heat treatment to the T6 state was observed.