Microstructural characterization of dissimilar aluminum alloys welded by friction stir welding (FSW)

Abstract

The research for new materials and processes that ensure the reduction of weight and more operationally viable aircraft have been given in all components of an aircraft, resulting in a reduction of fuel consumption, benefiting the manufacturer, operators, and the population in general, it applies the concept of 'green aircraft'. In these questions, materials/processes, there are the aluminum alloys (2xxx and 7xxx) and the friction stir welding (FSW) for its cost/benefit relation. This study's main objective is to characterize, in detail, the base material, the weld region thermally, and thermomechanical affected (nugget) of both materials. Among the tests stand out the microstructural characterization, by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), of hardness profile, nano hardness, and tensile test. These data show a wider and more reliable assessment on the feasibility of using this technology and allow predicting the behavior of a joint of this type during the operation of an aircraft, this research will provide the advanced knowledge of using this process in the window frame, replacing the actual riveting process. Furthermore, this project has the challenge of providing the information that makes up the base of the pyramid on the concept of technological development for 'building block'.