Experimental Analysis to Optimize parameters of Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy

This paper is a review of research work in the last decade on friction stir welding. In many industrial applications steel is readily replaced by non-ferrous alloys like aluminum alloys. Aluminum alloys having good mechanical properties as equated structural steel and low weight that allows a significant reduction in weight. But the welding of aluminum alloys by regular processes can causes serious problems. The difficulties are like loss of alloying elements and presence of separation and porosities in the weld joint. Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process, which removes all these problems of solidification related with the conventional fusion welding processes. In this research work an attempt has been made to develop an the relationship between FSW variables (tool rotation and tilt angle) and tensile strength and yield strength of number of pass friction stir welded aluminium alloy AA 6082 butt joints. Taguchi method is used for analysing the problem in which several independent variables influence the response. A three-parameter -three-level central composite design was used to determine the optimal factors of friction stir welding process for aluminium alloy.