Study on temperature distribution during Friction Stir Welding of 6082 aluminum alloy

In friction stir welding (FSW) heat is one of the key elements which is generated owing to friction between tool and workpiece. And hence, the study of heat flux characteristic during the process is essential for producing good quality weld. Moreover, life and capability of the tool depend on the heat dissipation throughout the process. The aim of present study is to experimentally explore the distribution of temperature during the friction stirred butt joint of aluminum 6082 plates. Eight L shaped thermocouples are placed at equally distance from the center line to measure the resulting temperature; four thermocouples on advance side (AS) and four on retreating side (RS). The experiment is conducted at constant rotational speed and feed rate and with varying tool tilt angle and dwell time. It is observed that the temperature on advancing side is on higher side as compared to retreating side. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.