Structural State of a Weld Formed in Aluminum Alloy by Friction Stir Welding and Treated by Ultrasound

Abstract

The experimental data on structural state of an aluminum alloy, AlMg6, in the weld zone formed by friction stir welding are analyzed in order to evaluate the effect of its subsequent ultrasonic treatment. It is found that the crystal lattice transits into a low-stability state as a result of combined heat-induced and severe shear deformation. This transition is accompanied by considerable structural-phase changes that are manifested as an increased lattice parameter of the solid solution. This increase is caused by both high values of internal stresses and increased concentration of Mg atoms in the solid solution due to essential dissolution of the β-Al₂Mg₃ particles with the content of manganese higher than that in the matrix. This is accompanied by high-intensity diffusion and relaxation processes due to the low-stability state of crystal lattice (inhomogeneous stresses) in the weld zone.