Abstract

In this study, AA2024 sheet is Friction Stir Welded (FSW) at different rotational speeds from 800 to 1200rpm and different welding speeds from 50 to 200mm/min. A comparative study on weld quality is conducted between air cooling by natural cooling and cold air jet cooling. Thermal histories are recorded at specific locations from the weld line and the maximum temperature is estimated. Macrostructure, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the weld are also studied. Microstructure analysis indicates that significant grain refinement occurred in the weld nugget. However, the results showed that cold air jet cooling has no significant effect on the weld quality or grain refinement.

Keywords: Friction stir welding; Stir welding; Air cooling; Cold air jet cooling; Natural cooling of stir welding