EFFECT OF POST-WELD AGING ON THE CORROSION RESISTANCE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FRICTION STIR WELDED ALUMINUM ALLOY 7475-T73

摘要

The main objective of this work is to investigate the effect of post-weld artificial aging (PWAA) on the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of friction stir welded Al 7475-T73 alloy. Friction stir welding (FSW) was performed on 0.22-in thick plates with varying heat inputs. The PWAA treatment performed was a stabilization treatment at 225° F for 24 hours, followed by aging at 325° F for 4 hours. Electrochemical and alternate immersion corrosion testing was performed to evaluate the effect of PWAA on the corrosion performance. Electrical conductivity measurements along with the tensile properties were evaluated as a function of weld heat input. Both corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the PWAA specimens were comparable with the parent Al 7475-T73 material.