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Performance Analysis of Nano Silicon Carbide Reinforced Swept Friction Stir Spot Weld Joint in AA6061-T6 Alloy

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Abstract

Swept friction stir spot welding (SFSSW) is one of the preferred welding methods used in joining metals. The application of this joining process is limited by path deviation, insufficient tool plunging and vibrations caused by high torque and force during the welding. In order to improve the weld strength and weld repeatability, the optimum process parameters of SFSSW of aluminium 6061-T6 alloy were investigated through Grey rational analysis. Initially, Taguchi L16 array consisting of diameter of guide hole, tool rotational and traverse speeds was developed and experiments were conducted by filling guide hole with Silicon Carbide nanoparticles. Grey relational analysis of the experiments reports that guide hole diameter = 3 mm, rotational speed = 1600 rpm and traverse speed = 20 mm/min are found to be optimal parameters for attaining the maximum lap shear strength and hardness. The cause-and-effect analysis of data reports that the amount of SiC added to the guide hole is the most significant factor influencing the weld strength. Furthermore, mechanical and metallurgical characterisation of weld samples prepared at optimum condition were compared with neat samples. The microstructural analysis of stir zone and the fractured area were also presented. The addition of nanoparticles and use of predicted optimum weld condition results homogeneous distribution, refined grains in the stir zone that causes a noteworthy increase in the weld strength.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jayalakshmi Institute of Technology, Thoppur, India

    S. Suresh

  2. Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Government College of Engineering, Salem, India

    K. Venkatesan

  3. Faculty of Engineering, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Elango Natarajan

  4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Knowledge Institute of Technology, Salem, India

    S. Rajesh

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Suresh, S., Venkatesan, K., Natarajan, E. et al. Performance Analysis of Nano Silicon Carbide Reinforced Swept Friction Stir Spot Weld Joint in AA6061-T6 Alloy. Silicon 13, 3399–3412 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-020-00751-4

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