Microstructure and mechanical optimization of probeless friction stir spot welded joint of an Al-Li alloy

In this work, a third generation Al-Li alloy has been successfully spot welded with probeless friction stir spot welding (P-FSSW), which is a variant of conventional friction stir welding. The Box-Behnken experimental design in response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize the P-FSSW parameters to attain maximum tensile/shear strength of the spot joints. Results show that an optimal failure load of 7.83 kN was obtained under a dwell time of 7.2 s, rotation speed of 950 rpm and plunge rate of 30 mm/min. Sufficient dwell time is essential for heat conduction, material flow and expansion of the stir zone to form a sound joint. Two fracture modes were observed, which were significantly affected by hook defect. In addition to mechanical testing, electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used for microstructure evolution and property analysis. The precipitation of GP zone and Al₃Li as well as the ultrafine grains were responsible for the high microhardness in the stir zone.