Experimental characterization of FSW T-joints of light alloys

Welding is playing a growing role in transport industry due to relevant advantages it allows. Friction Stir Welding is considered one of the most promising joining technologies, especially when it is applied to light alloys. Focusing attention on FSW of T-joints, several parameters have to be considered, and due to thermo-mechanical features of process, T-joints need a dedicated approach. A set of previously developed experiments has shown that the tilt angle plays a relevant role in the joint strength. Furthermore it should be observed that T-joints are very often utilized in aerospace industries since the produced structures are composed of joined skins and stingrs. Numerous data are reported in literature about FSW of butt joints, very few data, to authors' knowledge, exists on T joints. In this paper a micro structural and mechanical analysis has been developed on FSW T-joints of AA 6082 T6 rolled plates, realized setting welding direction both parallel and perpendicular to rolling direction. The obtained results can be considered as a further acquired knowledge in the comprehension and the design of FSW processes.