On the role of input welding parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al6061-T6 alloy during the friction stir welding: Experimental and numerical investigation

The Taguchi method was employed to find the optimum values of friction stir welding parameters including welding speed, rotating speed, and tilt angle for joining AA6061-T6 aluminum alloys. The combined influences of these parameters were entirely analyzed. Statistical outcomes were investigated by the study of variances and signal-to-noise ratios. A Coupled Eulerian and Lagrangian technique is implemented to simulate and verify the optimal parameters during the friction stir welding. To verify results, a comparison between the welding process under optimized parameters with experimental and non-optimized parameters was simulated for the friction stir welding process. The material flow, strain rate, thermal behaviors, and mechanical properties of samples fabricated with optimal welding parameters are higher than those produced from the non-optimal parameters. It was also concluded that the grain size of the stir zone under optimal welding parameters (6–8 µm) is finer than that of non-optimal welding parameters (11–13 µm). Low uniform distribution of material element and coarse microstructure were some of the results of welding with non-optimized parameters. Based on residual stress analysis, the application of optimal joining conditions can decrease the peak tensile residual stress by about 38.3%. The much desirable results obtained in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties could be of great significance to the welding industry.