Effect of friction stir welding on microstructure and wear properties of 7022 aluminium alloy

Abstract

The 7022 aluminium alloy generally presents low weldability by traditional fusion welding. The development of the friction stir welding (FSW) has provided an alternative improved way of satisfactorily producing 7022 aluminium alloy welded components. The influence on microstructure of welding parameters and wear properties of 7022 aluminium alloy joints produced by FSW are analysed. From the investigation it is found that welded joints fabricated at a rotational speed of 400 rpm and a welding speed of 100 mm/min have better wear properties compared to traditional types of such joints.