Research on rotating magnetic field–assisted HRFSW 6061-T6 thin plate

• Published in: High temperature materials and processes Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. pp. 442 - 460
• Main Authors: Chen, Xinyi, Chen, Shujin, Yang, Zhidong, Duan, Ruihai, Gao, Yang, Liu, Zhihong, Dong, Shangdong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin De Gruyter 17.03.2025; Walter de Gruyter GmbH
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Axial forces; corrosion; Corrosion rate; Friction stir welding; Friction welding; high rotation friction stir welding; Magnetic fields; mathematical model; Mechanical properties; Metal plates; rotating magnetic field; Rotation; Temperature distribution; Tensile strength; Thin plates; Welded joints
• ISSN: 2191-0324; 0334-6455; 2191-0324
• DOI: 10.1515/htmp-2025-0072

In this study, magnetic field–assisted high rotational-speed stir friction welding (MFA-HRFSW) and high rotational-speed friction stir welding (HRFSW) were carried out on a 1-mm-thick 6061-T6 aluminium alloy plate, and the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, corrosion for, mechanical properties and equipment tolerance of the two types of welded joints were studied and compared. By establishing a mathematical model of the MFA-HRFSW process, the temperature field characteristics of this process were analysed, revealing that the application of a rotating magnetic field during the friction stir welding (FSW) process influences the welding quality. The test results show that through the application of a magnetic field during the FSW process, the welding load of the equipment is reduced, and the peak axial force during the stabilization phase is reduced by 18.7%. Electrochemical tests show that the corrosion rate of 6061-T6 aluminium alloys is reduced when using MFA-HRFSW. This is mainly attributed to the presence of the rotating magnetic field in FSW, which endows the 6061-T6 aluminium alloys with finer grains, thereby improving the tensile strength and hardness of the alloys. This study provides new ideas for the development of FSW technology assisted by the application of an external energy source.