Local inhomogeneity of mechanical properties in stir zone of friction stir welded AA1050 aluminum alloy

The local inhomogeneity of the stir zone in friction stir welded face-centered cubic metal was investigated, which has multiple activated slip systems during plastic deformation, by selecting commercial AA1050 aluminum alloy as an ideal experimental material. The local inhomogeneity was evaluated by uniaxial tensile tests using small samples with a 1 mm gauge length. The corresponding microstructural parameters such as grain size, misorientation angle distribution, and micro-texture, were quantified by the backscattered electron diffraction technique. A comprehensive model was used to reveal the microstructure−mechanical property relationship. The experimental results showed that the uniaxial tensile property changes significantly across the weld. The maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) occurred in the center of the stir zone, which was 99.0 MPa. The weakest regions were located at the two sides of the stir zone. The largest difference value in UTS reached 14.9 MPa, accounting for 15% of the maximum UTS. The analysis on the structure−mechanical property relationship suggests that the micro-texture change with the location formed during the rotational material flow is the main reason for the local inhomogeneity.