Fatigue property of stationary shoulder friction stir welded additive and non-additive T joints

Abstract

Additive and non-additive T joints were successfully fabricated by stationary shoulder friction stir welding using various welding parameters. No interior defects were observed in all joints by microstructural examination. The fatigue property of both additive and non-additive joints was revealed by four-point bending fatigue test. The microstructure and the stress concentration were investigated at the fatigue crack initiation sites of various T joints. Stress concentration determines the fracture location, and the surface microstructure influences the fatigue property. The stress concentration at the internal corner was evidently lower for additive joint than non-additive joint. The surface of stationary shoulder friction welded joint was characterised by ultrafine grains, which evidently enhanced the fatigue property.