A Survey on Microhardness, Tensile and Microstructural Properties of Aluminium and its Alloys by Friction Stir Welding Process

Abstract

This review paper emphasizes joining aluminum and its alloys by using conventional joining methods, where the formation of defects is occurred in weld joints. The defects are porosity, cracks, hole formation, residual stress, distortion are observed in traditional weld joints. To overcome these defects in welds, The Welding Institute UK has developed a green welding process such as friction stir welding (FSW). The joints of aluminum and its alloys exhibit different FSW characteristics depends on the tool rotational speed and traverse speed. Various aluminum alloys exhibit different strengths for different tool rotational speeds. The main reason for variations in microhardness is the quantity of heat input and enough heat should be supplied to obtain sound joints. Therefore, there is still lack of studies that need to be carried out to optimize the quantity of heat input needed to achieve improved weld strength and joint efficiency. In addition, FSW process needs to be integrated with artificial intelligence tools to monitor the process online.