Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on Dissimilar Friction Stir Welded AA6082 and A319 Aluminium Alloys

The effects of post-weld heat management at a solution temperature of 540°C for 5 hrs 30 mins continuing by ageing at 190°C for 6 hrs on microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded different aluminium alloys A319 and AA6082 have been examined. Post-weld ageing results in enhanced mechanical properties. The outcome of ageing on the morphology of the subsequent phase particles of silicon, copper along with iron in the fold zone has been studied. The hardness of the fold zone for both as-welded and post-weld ageing was found to be lower than that of AA6082 but higher than A319 base metal. Microstructural studies reveal that the A319 dominates the fold zone.