MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FRICTION STIR WELDED AZ31B MAGNESIUM ALLOY

Abstract

The AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet was welded with friction stir welding (FSW). Friction stir welding (FSW) is carried out at different rotational speeds of 1200 rpm, 1600 rpm. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the welded joint were investigated. The microstructural change in AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloy after friction stir welding (FSW) was examined. Fractography of tensile fractured surface was studied by SEM. It is observed in this study, the effect of rotational speed on microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint fabricated using H13 tool material at a rotational speed of 1600 rpm obtained higher mechanical properties as compared to those of 1200 rpm.