Mechanical and Metallurgical Characterization of Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Monel 400 and 316 Stainless Steel

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been widely used to metals with moderate melting temperatures, primarily Al alloys. Recently, tool materials that withstand high stresses and temperatures necessary for FSW of materials with high melting temperatures have been developed. In the present Study  tungsten carbide (WC) was used for FSW of dissimilar monel 400 alloy and 316 stainless steel, and a defect-free weld was successfully produced. Microstructural characteristics, and mechanical properties in the weld were examined. The work included microstructure examination, microhardness, tensile and fatigue tests of all joints. This study shows that the friction stir welded dissimilar joint present better mechanical properties when compared with each base material. Microhardness and tensile strength increased by more than 30% and 20%, respectively, as compared to base metal.