Microstructural and mechanical characterization of multipass friction stir processed Al-Mg alloy

Abstract

In the present investigation friction stir processing (FSP) is carried out using multipass FSP on a 5086 aluminum alloy to modify microstructure and mechanical properties. Two processing conditions P1 and P2 were used, P1 is carried out at constant rotation speed of 1025 rpm and at a traverse speed of 50 mm/min, P2 is carried out at constant rotation speed of 720 rpm and at a traverse speed of 155 mm/min. Inhomogeneous microstructural distribution was observed across the processed zone. EBSD analysis has been done to evaluate the microstructure. Overlapping passes is showing same grain size in the FSPed material. Material processed using P2 processing condition is showing maximum superplastic ductility. The bulk material produced due to multipass FSP seems to be good for superplastic forming applications. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.