Process parameters optimization of friction stir welding for optimum tensile strength in Al 6061-T6 alloy butt welded joints

• Main Authors: Maneiah, D., Mishra, Debashis, Rao, K. Prahlada, Raju, K. Brahma
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminium 6061-t6 alloy; Desirability function; Friction stir welding; Hexagon pin; Taguchi L9 approach; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.215

Friction stir welding is a creative solid-state welding technique broadly used for the joining of different metals and their alloys mostly aluminium and its alloys for several applications in aerospace and automotive industries. Friction stir welding of Aluminium 6061-T6 alloy of 3 mm thickness is performed using H13 tool steel pin. The friction stir welding is carried out by taking the process parameters such as rotational speed, tilt angle and feed to identify the individual as well as simultaneous effects of process parameters on the tensile properties of the welded joints. The Taguchi L9 approach is used to construct the numbers of welding experiments to identify the optimized levels of process parameters to achieve the maximum tensile strength. The tensile strength and elongation of friction stir butt welded joints of Al 6061-T6 alloy sheets is experimentally measured. The highest tensile strength 191 MPa is obtained when the rotational speed 1400RPM, tilt angle 0° and feed 100 mm/min. The percentage elongation 10% is expresses that the weld joint is ductile in nature.