Ultrasound-Enhanced Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy 6082: Advancements in Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Refinement

Ultrasound-Enhanced Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy 6082: Advancements in Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Refinement

This study examines the effects of ultrasound-enhanced friction stir welding (USE-FSW) on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of aluminum alloy AA6082-T6, commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. The investigation included tensile and bending tes...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marat Rebrin, Andreas Gester, Dmitrii Ozherelkov, Christiane Wächtler, Toni Sprigode, Martin Mädlow, Guntram Wagner
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Metals
Subjects:
ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding
aluminum alloy
microstructure
mechanical properties
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4701/14/11/1241
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:This study examines the effects of ultrasound-enhanced friction stir welding (USE-FSW) on the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of aluminum alloy AA6082-T6, commonly used in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. The investigation included tensile and bending tests, as well as detailed microstructural evaluations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that USE-FSW led to an approximately 26% increase in tensile strength compared to similar samples produced by conventional friction stir welding (CFSW). Additionally, the elongation at break improved by around 52%, indicating better ductility. Flexural strength also showed a notable improvement of over 70%. Microstructural analysis revealed a finer grain structure in the stir zone, contributing to these mechanical enhancements. However, the changes in texture and grain orientation were relatively modest, as shown by EBSD and Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) analyses. Overall, USE-FSW offers incremental improvements in weld quality and mechanical performance, making it a promising technique for producing joints with slightly enhanced strength and ductility.
ISSN:2075-4701

Similar Items