Spot welding between aluminium alloy and low-carbon steel by friction stirring

Abstract

The application of aluminium alloy, which is a typical lightweight material, has been expected in the construction of transportation vehicles to achieve energy saving by reduction of weight. However, structures made of whole aluminium alloy have problems with low strength and high cost. Thus, hybrid structures made of Al alloy and steel are useful because of light weight and higher strength. To construct the hybrid structure, it is necessary to weld aluminium alloy and steel. However, conventional welding methods, like brazing and mechanical fastening, have problems such as low mechanical strength and low productivity. Also, it is difficult to weld Al alloy and steel by conventional fusion welding.

In this study, spot welding between aluminium alloy and low carbon steel by friction stirring was carried out. Especially, optimization in welding conditions was carried out. Moreover, the effect of welding conditions on the joint strength and weld interface was studied. As a result, relatively higher tensile shear strength of the weld, which was achieved at optimum welding conditions, was obtained. Temperature near weld interface measured by K-type thermocouple during welding was found to be lower than the melting point of A5052. From the observation results on microstructure of the weld interface, it was found that a Fe/Al intermetallic compound layer was formed.

Keywords:

• friction stirring
• aluminium alloy
• low carbon steel
• dissimilar metals
• spot welding

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank OSC K.K. for the gift of the rotating tool used in this study and Fuji Heavy Industries for their contribution of SPC270C.