Mechanical Properties and Temperature Distributions of Thin Friction Stir Welded Sheets of AA5083

Thin sheets welding are a complicated process either in conventional or newly developed methods. In this approach friction stir welded (FSW), 0.8mm in thickness 5083 aluminium sheets have been studied. A special fixture, designed for ultra-thin sheets, and a simple cylindrical tool, was used. Tensile test and micro hardness test was investigated. All tested samples are defects free. Mechanical properties show that yield stress off old samples are below the base metal and by increasing in speed ratio (w/v) the average of micro hardness was decreased. Samples were welded at speed ratio range of 18.58 to 34.84 have the best quality of tensile test and micro hardness. Temperature measurement during welding indicate that 430 0C to 510 0C is the best temperature range for defect free joints. Fracture surface analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) which represented Dimpled rupture at defect free joints.