Effect of tool tilt angle on mechanical resistance of AA6082/AA5083 friction stir welded joints for marine applications

Abstract

In this work, funded on the National Operational Programme “Research and Innovation” 2014-2020, dissimilar aluminum alloys used in shipbuilding (AA6082 and AA5083) were joined through friction stir welding using a taper threaded pin profile. The aim was to investigate the effect of the tool tilt angle, at varying rotation and feed rates. The following combinations of these last (measured, respectively, in rpm and mm/min) were chosen after preliminary tests: 1000/100, 1300/75 and 1600/50. It was found that a small spindle inclination is sufficient to significantly improve the behavior of the joint by influencing the same effectiveness of the process.