Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/steel friction stir lap weld

The friction stir welding tool with convex pin tip was designed to realize the lap joining of 6082-T6 aluminum alloy and Q235A steel. With decreasing welding speed and increasing rotation speed, the basic constitutions of mixed stir zone changed from α-Fe fine grains, thin intermetallic compound (IMC) and Al/Fe composite structure to hook-like and chaotic mixed layered structure, resulting in joint deterioration. The maximum shear load can reach 7500 N and is predominately affected by the morphology of the IMC layers, which in turn depend on rotation speed, welding speed and other parameters. Nano-hardness decreases from about 3.9 GPa in the upper steel surface layer to about 1.3 GPa in the steel base material. Microhardness profile reveals that the maximum hardness occurs at the interface zone. The morphology of layered structure, FeAl₃ IMC thickness and steel grain size can be controlled by choosing suitable welding parameters and tool shape.