Effect of tool geometry on microstructure and static strength in friction stir spot welded aluminium alloys

The effect of tool geometry on microstructure and static strength in friction stir spot welds of 6061 aluminium alloy sheets was studied. Tools with three different probe lengths were used to join the aluminium sheet with different tool rotational speeds and tool holding times. The weld microstructures varied significantly depending on probe length, tool rotational speed and tool holding time. Two particular aspects were identified: the thickness of the upper sheet under the shoulder indentation and the nugget size. The former decreased with increasing probe length at the shortest tool holding time and the slowest tool rotational speed, but there were no discernible differences in other welding conditions, while the latter increased with increasing probe length, tool rotational speed and tool holding time. The tensile shear strength increased with increasing probe length, while the cross-tension strength was not affected significantly by probe length. Two fracture modes were observed: shear fracture of the nugget and mixed mode fracture under tensile shear loading, and nugget debonding and pull-out under cross-tension loading. Based on experimental observation of the microstructures, the effect of probe length on static strength and the fracture mechanisms were discussed.