In situ thermal studies and post-weld mechanical properties of friction stir welds in age hardenable aluminium alloys

The 'quench sensitivity' of various friction stir welded (FSW) aluminium alloys were investigated. Cooling rates of FSW were altered by utilising various active (weld side) and passive (anvil side) cooling/heating conditions. Media used included a chilled water mist (active cooling) and hot air (active heating) immediately behind the tool, and water chilled (passive cooling) or heated (passive heating) anvil. Microhardness and transverse tensile properties were used to assess the natural aging response of friction stir welds (FSWs) in 2195-T8 and 7075-T7351 subject to these conditions. Test results indicated that the quench sensitive alloy 7075 exhibits a more rapid natural aging response and improved mechanical properties while the less quench sensitive 2195 exhibits little or no change in mechanical properties. In the present investigation FSWs in alloy 7075 under active and passive cooling conditions exhibited an increase of approximately 10% in tensile properties over conventional FSWs.