Influence of friction stir welding process and tool parameters on strength properties of AA7075-T6 aluminum alloy joints

The aircraft aluminum alloys generally present low weldability by traditional fusion welding process. The development of the friction stir welding has provided an improved way of producing aluminum joints. In this present work the influence of process and tool parameters on strength properties of AA7075-T6 joints produced by friction stir welding was analyzed. Joints were fabricated by varying process parameters and tool parameters. Strength properties of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the microstructure and hardness of weld nugget. This investigation demonstrates, Joints fabricated at rotational speed of 1400 rpm and welding speed of 60 mm/min using the tool with 15mm shoulder diameter, 5mm pin diameter and 45 HRc tool hardness, yielded higher strength properties.