Papers by Author: Fabio Rotundo

Abstract: The high temperature tensile behaviour of the A354 casting aluminum alloy was investigated also evaluating the influence of secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS). Cast specimens were produced through a gradient solidification equipment, obtaining two different classes of SDAS, namely 20-25 µm (fine microstructure) and 40-50 µm (coarse microstructure). After hot isostatic pressing and T6 heat treatment, the samples underwent mechanical characterization both at room and high temperature (200 °C). Results of tensile tests and hardness measurements were related to the microstructural features and fractographic characterization, in order to investigate the effect of microstructure and high temperature exposure on the mechanical behaviour of the alloy.

Abstract: The widespread use of metal matrix composites (MMC) is often limited due to the difficulties related to their joining by means of traditional fusion welding processes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect on microstructure and mechanical properties (hardness and tensile strength) of two different friction welding techniques used for joining two Al-based metal matrix composites. In particular, Friction Stir Welding was applied to a 6061 (Al-Mg-Si) alloy matrix, reinforced with 20vol.% of Al₂O₃ particles (W6A20A), while Linear Friction Welding was applied to a 2124 (Al-Cu-Mg) alloy matrix reinforced with 25vol.% of SiC particles (AMC225xe). Both the welding processes permitted to obtain substantially defect-free joints, whose microstructures was found to be dependent on both the initial microstructure of the composites and the welding processes. Hardness decrease was in the order of 40% for the FSW joint and of 10% for the LFW joint, mainly due to overaging of the matrix induced by the frictional heating, while the joint efficiency in respect to the ultimate tensile strength was 72% and 82%, respectively. Elongation to failure increased in the FSW joint due to coarsening of precipitates, whereas it decreased in the LFW joints due to the fibrosity in the thermomechanically altered zone. Fracture surface analysis showed good matrix/reinforcement interface for both composites.

Abstract: The aim of the present work is to evaluate the possibility of using the Linear Friction Welding (LFW) technique to produce similar and dissimilar joints between a 2024 Al alloy and a 2124Al/25vol.%SiCP composite. In this solid state joining process the bonding of two flat edged components is achieved through frictional heating induced by their relative reciprocating motion, under an axial compressive force. Microstructural characterization of the welds was carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopy, to investigate the effect of LFW both on the aluminium alloy matrix and the reinforcement particles. The mechanical behaviour of the welded specimens was studied by means of hardness and tensile tests. The mechanisms of failure were investigated by SEM analyses of the fracture surfaces. LFW joints in MMCs resulted substantially defect free, with a uniform particle distribution, while a partial lack of bonding at the corners was observed in the others welds. The hardness decreased by approximately 10% in the welded zone, with some data fluctuations due to the complex microstructural modifications introduced by the LFW process. The joint efficiency, evaluated in respect to the UTS, was 90% for the Al alloy joints and 80% for the MMC joints. A decrease in the elongation to failure was measured in all the LFW specimens, probably related to the orientation of the plastic flow in the TMAZ, where the fracture generally occurred.

Abstract: In the present study, the process modelling of AMCs linear friction weldment was carried out. Four major stages of the process (Part 1: Warm-Up; Part 2: Osci-Forging; Part 3: Forging; Part 4: Cool-Down) were identified and simulated consecutively to generate the temperature field and residual strains distribution within the model. An eigenstrain model calibrated by the neutron diffraction results was also employed to capture the permanent deformation distribution. Good agreement between the process modelling and the experimental measurements was found.

Abstract: Linear friction welding (LFW) is a solid state joining process for bonding of two flatedged, complex geometry components through relative reciprocating motion under axial (compressive) forces. Although the proof of principle has been obtained some time ago, recently a number of studies have been published aimed at optimising the joining operations to obtain best joint strength and reduced distortion and residual stress. The present paper is devoted to the study of linear friction welds between components made from aluminium alloy 2124 matrix composite (AMC) reinforced with 25vol% particulate silicon carbide (SiCp). Neutron diffraction was used to measure interplanar lattice spacings in the matrix and reinforcement, and to deduce residual elastic strains and stresses as a function of distance from the bond line. Significant asymmetry is observed in the residual stress distribution within the two components being joined, that may be associated with the difference in the microstructure and texture.