No abstract

Purpose The demand for aluminium alloys has been increasing in almost all the fields. In this study, the friction stir welding (FSW) of similar aluminium alloy AA 8011-h14 has been presented using three levels of tool rotational speed (n), tool tilt angle (ϴ) and tool feed (f). The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of welding parameters on various properties and time-temperature plots. Design/methodology/approach FSW was carried out using the L-9 orthogonal array of welding parameters generated using the Taguchi approach. Visual inspection and radiography testing were conducted to detect the surface and volume defects, respectively. Taguchi analysis was carried out to get optimised welding parameters for tensile testing. The microstructural analysis was carried out for the specimen possessing maximum tensile strength and the obtained grain structures were compared with the microstructure results of the base material. The peak process temperatures were noted and time-temperature plots were analysed for the varying parameters. The maximum value of hardness was recorded and analysed. Findings Visual inspection and radiography testing confirmed defect-free joints. The maximum tensile strength achieved was 84.44 MPa with 64.95 per cent efficiency. The optimised parameters obtained using Taguchi analysis for tensile testing were 1,500 rpm, 1° and 50 mm/min. Microstructure analysis for the specimen possessing maximum tensile strength revealed fine and equiaxed grains in the nugget zone. Time-temperature plots suggested the maximum temperature of 389 °C on the advancing side. A maximum hardness value of 36.4 HV was obtained in the nugget zone. Originality/value As per the knowledge of the authors, this study is the first attempt for the detailed experimental analysis on the FSW of this particular aluminium alloy AA 8011-h14.