Microstructure Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Dissimilar Al/Al-Li Alloy T-Joints Welded by Friction Stir Welding

This paper investigates the influence of the internal concave surface structure of the stirring tool and welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the T-joint. The analysis reveals that compared to the inner concave surface without spirals, T-joints welded by inner concave surfaces with spirals exhibit fewer welding defects. Meanwhile, the microscopic results showed that there is a welding juncture zone between the thermomechanical affected zone and the nugget zone, and a large number of θ’, T₁, and η’ phases precipitate in the nugget zone of the joint, which improves its strength and hardness. When welding speed v, rotational speed w and insertion depth h are 60 mm/min, 350 rpm, and 0.21 mm, respectively, the yield strength, the tensile strength, and the elongation of the T-joint reach their maximum values (352 MPa, 408 MPa and 5%), and the tensile strength represents 68.0% and 71.6% of the base materials, respectively. The fracture mechanism of the joint is a mode of ductile fracture. Furthermore, the T-joint exhibits a “W” and “Z” distribution pattern on both sides of the weld centerline B and A, respectively.