Fatigue life of friction stir spot welds between Z91 magnesium alloy and ENAW7075-T651 aluminum alloy

Abstract Magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) alloys are considered to be among the lightest structural metals. Using these materials in a design can considerably decrease weight, which brings many benefits like reducing fuel consumption and increasing the performance of an aircraft or a ground vehicle. However, these alloys are too difficult to be joined via fusion welding techniques. In this context, welding AZ91 Mg alloy to ENAW7075-T651 Al alloy by the solid-state welding method of friction stir spot welding was investigated comprehensively. These alloys were welded by utilizing a tool with a triangle pin and various tool rotational speeds (1,000, 1,400, and 1,800 rpm) and welding times (3 and 6 s). Macro and microstructure of the welds and their hardness, tensile strength, and tension-compression fatigue life were determined. Generally, an improvement in the mechanical properties of the weld was observed by increasing the welding time due to the expansion of the joining area. The welding with the best mechanical properties was obtained at 1,400 rpm, and the worst at 1,800 rpm. All the welds failed from the weld area during the tensile and fatigue tests and exhibited a brittle fracture mode due to the formation of intermetallic compounds in the welds.