On the critical technological issues of friction stir welding lap joints of dissimilar aluminum alloys

Abstract

In this article, friction stir welded lap joints of innovative dissimilar aluminum alloys have been produced and tested to investigate the feasibility of using this joining technique in this configuration. The introduction of both this new welding technique alloys, such as AA 2198, could allow making lighter and stronger structures. Some experiments, carried out previously, have shown that the fixturing device, the tool geometry, and the tilt angle play a significant role in the joint soundness. A wide experimental characterization has been carried out on friction stir welded lap joints of AA 7075 T6 extrudes to AA 2198 T351 rolled plates. The results attained are allowed to put in evidence some critical issues on the investigated configuration and can be considered as a further acquired knowledge in the understanding and the design of friction stir processes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.