Effects of process parameters on tensile strength of friction stir welded Al-Cu double-layer sheets

Abstract

In this paper, friction stir welding (FSW) process was used to join double-layer sheets of pure copper and 1050 aluminum alloy produced by explosive welding (EXW). The double-layer sheets were arranged side by side to perform friction stir butt-welding. In this regard, rotary FSW tools with different geometries were used at rotational speeds of 800 and 1250 rpm and linear speeds of 8, 12, and 20 mm min‑1, in one and two number of passes. According to the results, the sample welded by a conical tool with a rotational speed of 800 rpm and a linear speed of 12 mm min‑1 in one pass offered the highest tensile strength, which was approximately equivalent to the 84% of the strength of the raw double-layer sheet. In addition, applying the second FSW pass and using a threaded tool from the aluminum side had negative effects on the tensile strength. The microstructural evaluation showed the presence of more intermetallic phases including Al4Cu9, AlCu, and Al2Cu in the sample welded by the threaded tool from the aluminum side in two number of passes, which was the responsible of the lower tensile strength and the higher microhardness.