Friction Stir Welding of Al Alloys: Analysis of Processing Parameters Affecting Mechanical Behavior

Friction Stir Welding is a well known solid state joining technology. Many processing conditions and materials properties affect the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of the produced joints. The main parameters involved in the welding process have been studied and the results presented in the present paper. The fatigue life and crack behavior of several aluminum alloys FSW joints have been presented. The analysis was conducted through employing a multi-objective optimization tool capable of correlating all the material properties and processing parameters to the final mechanical performances of the welds.