Friction Stir Processing (FSP) of Cast Metals: Microstructure – Property Relationships in NiAl Bronze and AA5083

Parameters for multi-pass FSP include the pattern of tool traverse and step-over distance between successive passes. Multi-pass FSP was conducted on as-cast NiAl bronze and as-cast AA5083 in order to modify stir zone (SZ) microstructures and mechanical properties. Highly refined and homogeneous SZ microstructures may be produced by FSP. Refined and equiaxed grain structures reflect recrystallization during FSP; mechanisms leading to homogenization by redistribution of microstructure constituents remain to be determined. Refined microstructures exhibit enhanced ambient-temperature properties and superplasticity at elevated temperatures.