Mechanical and microstructural characterization of 2124Al/25 vol.%SiCp joints obtained by linear friction welding (LFW)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using the linear friction welding (LFW) technique to produce sound joints on a 2124Al/25 vol.%SiCp composite. The MMC joints were subjected to microstructural and mechanical characterization, including hardness, tensile and fatigue tests, without any post-weld heat treatment. The microstructural analyses showed substantially defect-free joints, with a uniform particle distribution in the central zone and a relevant plastic flow of the aluminium matrix alloy. The hardness decrease in the welded zone was approximately 10% in respect to the base material. The joint efficiency was higher than 80%, both in respect to the ultimate tensile strength and fatigue strength at 107 cycles. S–N probability curves were calculated using the maximum likelihood method. Generally, the fracture occurred in the Thermo-Mechanically Affected Zone (TMAZ), with a relevant reduction in the elongation to failure.