Microstructure and Properties of a Friction Stir welded 7349-T6 Aluminium Alloy

摘要

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is now emerging as a viable alternative to conventional fusion welding of aluminium for aerospace applications, especially for alloys which are considered as unweldable because of a high hot cracking sensivity. The present work is devoted to the evaluation of a Friction Stir weld performed on the 7349 -T6 alloy developed for wing box application. At first, the mechanical properties and the corrosion resistance of the joint are assessed. Then the determination of the local mechanical behaviour by means of longitudinal micro-specimens and the study of the microstructural evolution caused by the FSW process allow to discuss the global performances of the weld.