Relation between geometry of FSW tools and formation of nano- dispersed zones in macrostructure EN AW 6082-T6 alloy welded joints

Abstract

An article present the result of macrostructure formation with distribution of mechanical properties in cross-sections of 8 mm-thick one-sided butt-welded FSW joints of EN AW 6082-T6 alloy which were obtained using three types of specially designed tools: C-type – conventional tool consisting of a housing, cylindrical threaded probe and a shoulder with a grooved spiral, T-type – Triflute-type tool consisting of a housing, cylindrical threaded probe with three grooves and a shoulder with a grooved spiral, S-type – simple tool consisting of a housing, smooth cylindrical probe without a thread and a flat shoulder. Friction stir welding was performed using equipment of the Institute of Welding in Gliwice of Poland, and mechanical tests in the E.O. Paton Electric Welding Institute of the NAS of Ukraine. Mechanical test by indentation was performed using Micron-gamma device, which allows experimental identification of structural state of metal and determination of the strain hardening presence by limiting values of ratio of hardness to Young’s modulus of elasticity. It was found that for all three specimens the HAZ hardness decreases, and in the zone of thermomechanical effect the hardness increases. Maximum hardness values are inherent to the central part of welded joint nugget, as well as to light-coloured oval concentrated fragments of structure in the nugget upper and lower part. Judging by the presence of nanosized hardened structure and uniformity of its distribution in the nugget, as well as good dispersion of oxide films and absence of discontinuities, the friction stir welding with C-type tool can be regarded as the optimum variant. An assumption was made that formation of a uniform structure in welds can be achieved at three–four revolutions of the tool in friction stir welding in one place. The model of thermal fields distribution in Al-plate during FSW using a C-type tool visualized the metal’s thermal condition when formated hardened nano-dispersed weld zones.