SUBMERGED FRICTION STIR PROCESSING OF EN AW 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY

Abstract

Friction stir processing is a process for processing metallic materials that aims to locally modify the microstructure and mechanical properties. Submerged friction stir processing aims to limit the process temperature by using a liquid working medium, so as to avoid thermal overloading of the processing tool and the materials to be processed. The paper presents experimental research carried out at ISIM Timisoara on submerged friction stir processing for the 5mm thick EN AW 7075 aluminum alloy. Processing experiments were carried out in single pass and in multiple passes, with positive results. The evaluation program of samples/test pieces taken from the processed materials included visual examination and penetrating radiation, macro- and microscopic structural analyses, as well as mechanical tensile and bending tests.