Enhanced mechanical properties in friction stir welded low alloy steel joints via structure refining

Submerged arc weld metal of a high strength low alloy steel was subjected to friction stir welding (FSW) at a higher rotation rate of 400 rpm (FSW-a) and a lower rotation rate of 125 rpm (FSW-b), respectively. The microstructures and mechanical properties of three typical phase structures, coarse bainite phase in the weld metal, refined bainite phase and ferrite phase in the nugget zones (NZs) of FSW joints were investigated. Compared to the weld metal, enhanced mechanical properties were achieved in the NZs of both FSW joints. Large cracks apparently propagated along the bainite lath in the coarse grains of the weld metal, which would cause the brittle quasi-cleavage fracture. However, large crack propagation was inhibited in the refined bainite phase structure in the NZ of FSW-a joint, and enhanced strength and toughness with dimple fracture were achieved. Meanwhile, enhanced mechanical properties, including strength and ductility, as well as toughness, were obtained in the NZ of FSW-b joint, because of the refinement of the ductile ferrite structure.