Friction-stir welding of aluminum alloy 2024 to silver

The results of an investigation into the friction-stir welding of aluminum alloy 2024 to pure silver at room temperature and at -30 °C are presented. While dynamic recrystallization provides a mechanism for these two base metals to flow and intercalate in complex patterns within the weld zone, the silver has a propensity for very rapid recrystallization and grain growth. The residual grain size within the weld zone, especially in large, isolated silver regions, is also much larger than the silver base metal grain size. Even at starting temperatures of -30 °C, the silver regions within the weld zone exhibit larger grain sizes.