EFFECT OF INITIAL MICROSTRUCTURE ON THE MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND JOINT EFFICIENCY OF A WE43 ALLOY DURING FRICTION STIR WELDING

摘要

The initial microstructure plays an important role in determining the spatial and temporal evolution of the microstructure during friction stir welding (FSW). The overall kinetics of microstructural evolution is location sensitive and the effect of the process strain, strain rate and thermal cycle creates complexities. In the present study, magnesium based WE43 alloy has been welded employing two different welding conditions. Joint efficiency has been subsequently evaluated. The results have been correlated with detailed microstructural information obtained from SEM and OIM-EBSD. The influence of microstructural evolution on strength has been analyzed. This framework provides an approach to maximize joint efficiency.