FRICTION STIR WELDING OF MAGNESIUM ALLOYS

Extruded and cast plates of AZ type magnesium alloys were successfully joined by friction stir welding (FSW). Effect of FSW conditions on the formation of the defect was revealed in relation to tool rotation speed and specimen travel speed. Magnesium alloy with higher aluminum content became difficult to be joined and the optimum condition without defect was restricted into narrow condition range. The structure of the stirred zone was a fine-grained recrystallized structure even in the case of cast AZ91D. FSW joint had better mechanical properties than those of GTA welded joint. Especially the toughness of the stirred zone increased more than that of the base metal.