Residual Stresses in Dissimilar Friction Stir Welding of AA2024 and AZ31: Experimental and Numerical Study

Thermal history and residual stresses in dissimilar friction stir welding (FSW) of AA2024 and AZ31 were studied under different tool offsets using a coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) finite element model and a mechanical model. Welding experiments and residual stresses' measurements were conducted to validate the models. Comparisons between the experimental and numerical results indicated good agreement. The maximum temperature in the welded zone was predicted to be slightly lower than 400 °C, regardless of offset, and that its location shifted with tool offset from the advancing side (AS) to the retreating side (RS). Longitudinal residual stresses changed from tensile under the tool shoulder to compressive beyond this region and it appeared to be the dominant stress component. The transverse stresses were tensile and of lower magnitude. Both the longitudinal and transverse residual stresses have their maximum values within the weld zone near the end of the weld length. For both peak temperatures and residual stresses, higher values were obtained at the AS with no tool offset and 1 mm offset to the AS, and at the RS with 1 mm offset to the RS. Lower residual stresses and better weld quality were obtained with tool offset to the aluminum side.