Joining phenomena and joint strength of friction welded joint between aluminium–magnesium alloy (AA5052) and low carbon steel

Abstract

The joining phenomena and the joint strength of an Al–Mg alloy (AA5052) and low carbon steel (LCS) friction welded joints were investigated. The weld interface of the LCS side at a friction time of 1·2 s had a slightly transferred AA5052, and then the entire weld interface had it at a friction time of 3·0 s or longer. The joint efficiency increased with increasing friction time, but it decreased at a friction time of 12·0 s or longer. The joint at a friction time of 3·0 s with forge pressure of 190 MPa had 100% joint efficiency and the AA5052 base metal fracture with no crack at the weld interface. The weld interface of these joints also had no intermetallic compound. On the other hand, the joint at a friction time of 8·0 s, which had ∼97% joint efficiency, fractured between the AA5052 side and the weld interface because it had the intermetallic compound at the weld interface.