Energy absorption of friction stir welded 1050 aluminum sheets through wedge tearing

• Energy absorption of friction stir welded aluminum is investigated by wedge.
• Energy absorption is much higher when the wedge moves through (parallel) weld line.
• Specimens welded at lowest rpm have the most amount of energy absorption.

In this research, 1050 aluminum alloy sheets were welded through Friction Stir Welding technique at different rotational speeds (ω) and advance rates (V) in order to investigate the effects of welding parameters on the energy absorption. Wedge tearing test was then conducted on the specimens in two directions of 0 and 90 degrees relative to the weld line. Energy absorption was revealed to be much higher in the welded specimens in comparison with the non-welded sheets. This increase in the amount of absorbed energy is due to the fine equiaxed grain structure formed in the stir zone of the weld which increases the strength. It was also concluded that when movement of the wedge is parallel to the weld line (i.e. through the weld metal), the amount of energy absorption is considerably higher than when the wedge moves perpendicular to the weld line. The energy absorption increases with decreasing the ω2/V. This is attributed to the changes of grain size in the stir zone with heat input. It was also observed that the maximum energy absorption in parallel direction to the weld line, for all advance rates, belongs to the specimens welded at the rotational speed of 600 rpm.

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