Linear friction welding of aluminium to magnesium

Abstract

Joining of an aluminium alloy to a magnesium alloy (AA 6082-T6 to AZ31) has been carried out by linear friction welding. The joining of this material combination is of particular significance for automotive components. Results show that welds with reasonable strength (comparable to the yield strength of the parent materials in O temper) can be produced. Weld microstructures were characterised by backscattered scanning electron microscopy, hardness testing and laboratory based X-ray diffraction. A particular emphasis was placed on determining the effects of welding parameters on the relative amounts of detrimental intermetallic phase at the weld line.