Mechanical and microstructural properties of friction stir welded AA5083 and AA5754 aluminium alloys

Friction stir welding is a solid-state welding method for joining materials having the same or different properties at temperatures below their melting points. Generally, the welding parameters affect the microstructural and mechanical properties of welded specimens. In this study, AA5083 and AA5754 aluminium alloys were joined by friction stir welding at different tool rotation speeds of 450, 700, and 900 rpm, feed rates of 40, 50, and 80 mm min(-1), and tilting angles of 0 degrees, 1 degrees, and 3 degrees using a tapered stir pin. The effects of these welding parameters on the mechanical properties of the welded parts were examined by tensile and micro-hardness tests. Moreover, the welded joints were analysed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results indicated that the specimen welded at 50 mm min(-1) feed rate, 450 rpm tool rotation speed, and a 1 degrees tilting angle exhibited the highest welding strength and elongation values.