Friction stir processed AA5182-O and AA6111-T4 aluminum alloys. Part 1: electron backscattered diffraction analysis

The present article is the first part in a two-part series in which crystallographic texture developed during friction stir processing of AA5182-O and AA6111-T4 is characterized and its impact on tensile properties explored. For the texture measurements, coupons were cut from the friction stir processed zone at selected orientations relative to the direction of tool translation. Texture was characterized with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope. Measurements were made at key positions along the coupon surfaces and texture differences between the two friction stir processed Al alloys are discussed in detail. Grain size variations were also measured in both the base and friction stir processed materials and subsequently compared. In part 2, a state-of-art digital image correlation technique is used to investigate tensile properties of both friction stir processed Al alloys. The impact of crystallographic texture on mechanical properties is also explored in this latter part.