Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Parameters to Enhance Weld Nugget Hardness in AA6061-B4C Composite Material

• Published in: Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series D 2024, Vol.105 (2), p.1093-1100
• Main Authors: Manjunatha, C., Sreenivasa, T. N., Sanjay, P., Durga Prasad, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Boron carbide; Composite materials; Engineering; Friction stir welding; Hardness; Impact analysis; Original Contribution; Rotation; Taguchi methods; Variance analysis; Weldability; Welding parameters
• ISSN: 2250-2122; 2250-2130
• DOI: 10.1007/s40033-023-00562-y

In this study, the weldability of aluminium composite made of 10 weight percent of B 4 C as reinforcement and AA6061 as the matrix material is the main emphasis. For the study's weldability analysis of the composite, friction stir welding was used. Tool rotation speed, welding speed, and tool profile were taken into consideration as input factors, and the output response was the weld nugget's hardness. The experimental strategy and an analysis of the impact of the input parameters on the response were done using the Taguchi technique. 79.92% of the variation in the output response was attributed by the results to the tool rotation speed, which was found to have the greatest impact. The findings from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) further supported the importance of each input parameter on the reaction to the output. Overall, this study emphasizes how crucial it is to regulate welding speed, rotation speed of the tool, and tool profile in order to obtain optimal weld quality and hardness in AA6061-B4C composite using friction stir welding.