Fatigue Modeling and Numerical Analysis of Re-Filling Probe Hole of Friction Stir Spot Welded Joints in Aluminum Alloys

In the present study, the fatigue behavior and tensile strength of A6061-T4 aluminum alloy, joined by friction stir spot welding (FSSW), are numerically investigated. The 3D finite element model (FEM) is used to analyze the FSSW joint by means of Abaqus software. The tensile strength is determined for FSSW joints with both a probe hole and a refilled probe hole. In order to calculate the fatigue life of FSSW joints, the hysteresis loop is first determined, and then the plastic strain amplitude is calculated. Finally, by using the Coffin-Manson equation, fatigue life is predicted. The results were verified against available experimental data from other literature, and a good agreement was observed between the FEM results and experimental data. The results showed that the joint’s tensile strength without a probe hole (refilled hole) is higher than the joint with a probe hole. Therefore, re-filling the probe hole is an effective method for structures jointed by FSSW subjected to a static load. The fatigue strength of the joint with a re-filled probe hole was nearly the same as the structure with a probe hole at low applied loads. Additionally, at a high applied load, the fatigue strength of joints with a refilled probe hole was slightly lower than the joint with a probe hole.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Refilled Friction Stir Spot Welding of Commercial Pure Aluminium

Aluminium and magnesium alloys are expected to make considerable contributions in reducing the weight of automobiles as they are increasingly used as an alternative to steel; improving fuel economy and vehicle performance while simultaneously reducing emissions. Higher electrical and thermal conductivities of these materials make them difficult to weld using existing resistance spot welding leading to high energy consumption. Friction stir spot welding has proven to be a better alternative to weld these materials. But a probe hole left behind is the main problem in conventional Friction Stir Spot welding (FSSW). In the present work a new method has been developed to refill the probe hole using an additional filler plate known as Refill Friction Stir Spot welding (RFSSW). This new refilling technique and the conventional FSSW process were both used to weld commercially pure aluminium lap shear specimens and the results were compared. The effect of tool rotational speed on mechanical and metallurgical properties were studied in both cases. Static shear strength of RFSSW weld samples was found to be better than conventional FSSW process at higher tool rotational speed. This is explained in terms of effective increase in cross sectional area of weld nugget due addition of more material from the filler plate thereby eliminating the probe hole.