Comparative Study on Mechanical Performances of Circular and Flat Geometry Welds in Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloy

This study is to find the extent of variation in mechanical properties between plate and pipe welds fabricated out of the same FSW process parameters. Common thickness of 3 mm along with similar tool specifications is used to fabricate the weld. Process parameters of tool rotational speed 2000 rpm and weld speed 94 mm/min that was defined as optimal for pipe weld is used as common process parameters. Welds are analyzed for hardness and tensile properties. Yield strength and ultimate tensile strength varied about 8.1% and 11.2% respectively between plate and pipe welds. The hardness of the stir zones varied about 11.6% between plate and pipe welds.