Analysis of the Influence of Continuous-Drive Friction Welding on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the UNS C64200 Bronze-Aluminum-Silicon Alloy

Abstract

Friction welding (FRW) is an important commercial solid-state welding process in which coalescence is achieved by frictional heat combined with pressure. The objective of this work is to analyze the microstructure and the mechanical behavior of the copper alloy UNS C64200 – bronze-aluminum-silicon, as well as to raise the ideal welding parameters so that there is adequate weldability after process of continuous-drive friction welding. Regarding the analysis of the microstructure, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize phases. The mechanical properties were evaluated by means of a hardness test of the center of the welded joint, traversing the entire extent of the thermally affected zone. Results show that the UNS C64200 alloy, when subjected to conventional friction welding, behaves satisfactorily in terms of weldability, without the appearance of cracks or defects arising from the temperature characteristic of this process, as well as good hardness with values above the minimum established in norm and higher than the base material.