Fracture Characteristics of AZ31B and Cu 99 Tensile Test Specimens Joined by FSW and FSW-IG Processes

The aim of the current study is to perform a failure analysis on specimens extracted from 4 mm sheets of AZ31B, according to ASTM 4377G and 3 mm sheets of Cu99 alloys according to SR EN 1652:2000, that were joined together using FSW and FSW-IG processes. In order to promote the suitability and advantages of implementing FSW-IG processes in the automotive and aerospace industry, the papers authors performed destructive testing on the samples extracted, namely tensile strength test, following with topography analysis using scanning electron microscopy – SEM, combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS, micro-hardness tests and fractography investigations. Results highlighted a considerable improvement in the ultimate tensile strength of the welded joint, a higher degree of deformability of the welded joint in the case of FSW – IG, compared to classical FSW; while maintaining the same process conditions and parameters. Experimental data is in accordant with automotive and aerospace imposed compliances, thus presented and discussed in the following scientific article.