V. Balasubramanian, G. Padmanabhan, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, India
Magnesium alloys are potentially useful as structural materials due to higher strength-to-weight ratios, heat conductivity and recyclability compared to other alloys. These alloys have attracted the interest of modern manufacturing such as the automobile, computer, communication and consumer electronic appliances industries. However, application of these alloys requires welding and joining procedures to be developed. In this investigation an attempt has been made to understand the effect of various welding processes on tensile properties of AZ31B Magnesium alloy. Single pass square butt joints were fabricated using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process and Laser Beam Welding (LBW) process. Tensile properties of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the weld metal microstructure and hardness. From this investigation, it is found that the joints fabricated using FSW process yielded superior tensile properties compared to other joints.
Keywords: AZ31B Magnesium alloy; Friction stir welding; Tensile properties; FSP Zone
Summary: This paper reveals the effect of various welding processes on tensile properties of AZ31B Magnesium alloy. Single pass square butt joints were fabricated using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process and Laser Beam Welding (LBW) process. Tensile properties of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the weld metal microstructure and hardness. From this investigation, it is found that the joints fabricated using FSW process yielded superior tensile properties compared to other joints.
