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Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of bobbin-tool friction stir welded 2024–T3 aluminum alloy

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Abstract

Cold-rolled 2024–T3 sheet alloy was subjected to bobbin-tool friction stir welding (BTFSW). The microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of the nugget zone in the as-welded state were investigated. The results show that the equiaxed grain size of BTFSW 2024–T3 alloy decreases from 7.6 to 2.8 μm as the welding speed is increased from 80 to 120 mm/min; in addition, fine grains are generated in the nugget zone and the size distribution is non-uniform. All Al2CuMg (S′) precipitates dissolve into the Al matrix, whereas Mn-rich phases confirmed as T phases (Al20Cu2Mn3, Al6Mn, or Al3Mn) remain unchanged. The optimized parameters for BTFSW are verified as the rotation speed of 350 r/min and the travel speed of 100 mm/min. The variations in precipitation and dislocation play more important roles than grain size in the nugget zone with respect to influencing the mechanical properties during the BTFSW process. After the BTFSW process, the fracture mode of base material 2024–T3 alloy transforms from ductile rupture to ductile-brittle mixed fracture.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Institute, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100089, China

    Ji-hong Dong & Xiang-dong Jiao

  2. China Friction Stir Welding Center, Beijing Aeronautical Manufacturing Technology Research Institute, Beijing, 100024, China

    Ji-hong Dong

  3. Chinalco Research Institute of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100082, China

    Chong Gao

  4. School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

    Yao Lu, Jian Han & Zhi-xiong Zhu

  5. Research Centre of Joining Technology in Ocean Engineering, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing, 102617, China

    Xiang-dong Jiao

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  1. Ji-hong Dong
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  2. Chong Gao
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  3. Yao Lu
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  4. Jian Han
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  5. Xiang-dong Jiao
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  6. Zhi-xiong Zhu
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Correspondence to Chong Gao.

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Dong, Jh., Gao, C., Lu, Y. et al. Microstructural characteristics and mechanical properties of bobbin-tool friction stir welded 2024–T3 aluminum alloy. Int J Miner Metall Mater 24, 171–178 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1392-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-017-1392-7

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