Effect welding parameters on the mechanical properties of friction-stir-welded heat-treatable AA6061-T6

Abstract

The effect of welding parameters on the mechanical properties of the friction stir welding of heat-treatable 6061-T6 was experimentally investigated. The influence of the welding rates on the hardness, tensile strength, bending strength, and the impact energy of the welding was investigated. The alloy 6061 could be welded with free defects. The mechanical properties were sensitive to the welding regimes and the location in and around the welded zone. Both the tensile and bending strengths of the joint were quite low compared to those of the base alloy 6061. The bending ductility of the joints was improved significantly. While the impact resistance around the welded zone was higher than that of the base alloy, the impact resistance at the weld center was remarkably low.