A comprehensive review on the effect of precipitation on mechanical properties of friction stir welded aluminium alloys

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is one of the excellent metals joining processes in terms of joint strength efficiency, quality of the weld and eco-friendliness. The strength of the joint and quality of the weld depend upon the FSW processing parameters. This paper aims to provide overview of the FSW process by considering the effect of alloying elements and its precipitates on mechanical properties of aluminium and its alloys. The importance of grain growth and its effect on mechanical properties after welding is also analysed and discussed in detail. The interesting observation is that the precipitates and its size, residual stress play an important role in changing the hardness, tensile strength and fatigue strength across the weld zones. In general, the hardness of the stir zone is lesser when compared to base metal and this is noticed for all series of aluminium and its alloys, irrespective of the precipitates and its structure. Grain size and its morphology also have significant role in affecting the mechanical properties of the welded joint and it is found that post welding process has noticeable effect on the mechanical properties closer to base aluminium and its alloys.