Implications of Process Parameters on Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Friction Stir Processed Al-Mg-Si Alloy
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Abstract
This investigation studied the influence of traverse and rotational speeds on the wear behaviour of friction stir processed Al-Mg-Si alloy. The parametric combinations of rotational speed of 1000 rpm, 1300 rpm, 1600 rpm and translational speed of 40 mm/min, 60 mm/min, 80 mm/min were selected for processing. Wear test was carried out on a pin-on-disc configuration using a universal tribometer. The microstructure of the surface was analyzed using optical microscope. The results revealed that Friction stir processed alloy has a more refined grain structure as compared to the substrate which may enhanced the resistance to wear. The increase in rotational speed increases the heat generation by severe plastic deformation in the nugget zone which causes homogenization of grain structure. The increase in traverse speed decreases the wear rate due to less residing time for frictional heat generation leading to considerably coarse grain structure. FSPed alloy with parameter 1600 rpm rotational speed and 40 mm/min translational speed showed maximum wear rate and minimum microhardness whereas at 1000 rpm rotational speed and 80 mm/min translational speed, it showed minimum wear rate with maximum microhardness of 54.3HV.