Microhardness and microstructural studies on underwater Friction Stir Welding of 5052 Aluminum Alloy

As compared to normal Friction Stir Welding (FSW) joints, the Underwater Friction Stir Welding (UFSW) has been reported to be obtainable in consideration of enhancement in mechanical properties. A 5052-Aluminum Alloy welded joints using UFSW method with plate thickness of 6 mm were investigated, in turn to interpret the fundamental justification for enhancement in mechanical properties of material through UFSW. Differences in microstructural features and mechanical properties of the joints were examined and discussed in detail. The results indicate that underwater FSW has reported lower hardness value in the HAZ and higher hardness value in the intermediate of stir zone (SZ). The average hardness value of underwater FSW increases about 53 greater than its base material (BM), while 21 greater than the normal FSW. The maximum micro-hardness value was three times greater than its base material (BM), and the mechanical properties of underwater FSW joint is increased compared to the normal FSW joint. Besides, the evaluated void-area fraction division in the SZ of underwater FSW joint was reduced and about onethird of the base material (BM). The approximately estimated average size of the voids in SZ of underwater FSW also was reduced to as low as 0.00073 mm2, when compared to normal FSW and BM with approximately estimated average voids size of 0.0024 mm2 and 0.0039 mm2, simultaneously. Copyright © 2017 ASME.