Evolution of Grain Structure and Texture for 6082-T6 Aluminum Alloy during Friction Stir Welding

Abstract

Stop-action technique was employed in order to study grain structure and texture evolution of thin 6082-T6 aluminum alloy sheets during friction stir welding (FSW). The evolutions of microstructure and texture were studied in different regions (ahead, behind, far behind the tool and base material as well) of the deformed samples. Materials ahead the tool experienced shear deformation were induced by rotation of the tool as well as the shoulder, which can pronounce copper and Goss texture. Grains behind the tool experienced dynamic recovery and recrystallization, exhibiting a characteristic of {110}<001> recrystallization Goss texture. Materials far behind the tool probably experienced more thermal cycling. Recrystallization grains will grow and present {100}<012> texture. In addition, the shoulder gave rise to a large shear stress that led to {111}<110> shear texture.

Keywords

texture evolution / dynamic recrystallization / friction stir welding