Papers by Author: Tirumalai S. Srivatsan

Abstract: The axial force during friction stir welding is sensitive to plunge depth of the tool and is one of the prime factors, which exercises control over heat generation during welding. Consequently, the plunge depth for a given tool rotation speed, traverse speed, material and test machine needs to be optimized so as to get a defect-free weld. In this paper, we present and briefly discuss the results of an elaborate and enriching investigation aimed at understanding the extrinsic influence of plunge depth of the tool on weld formation in aluminium alloy 7020-T6 for a range of rotation rate and traverse speed and using two different tools. The critical need for use of a scientific approach to optimize plunge depth for a given tool material and test machine in fewer number of steps is emphasized. Key Words: Friction Stir Welding, Tool Plunge, Rotation speed, Traverse speed, Aluminium Alloy 7020

Abstract: The technique of friction stir welding (FSW) does offer several advantages over conventional welding techniques. In this paper is presented the results of an investigation aimed at understanding the effect of tool angle on welding of sheets of commercially pure aluminum and aluminum alloy AA5052-H32 having different thickness. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of using friction stir welding (FSW) for joining two different thickness sheets of commercially pure aluminum (t = 1.5 mm and t = 2.0) with sheets of aluminum alloy 5052-H32 having thickness of 1.6 mm and 2 mm. It was found that the tool angle does play a major role in the welding of sheets having different thickness. Formation of the FSW zone was analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically. The tensile properties of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the formation and presence of the FSW zone. From this study it was found that the tool angle for commercially pure aluminum having a thickness of 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm is 2.58⁰. The tool angle is 1.91⁰ for the sheets of AA 5052-H32 having a thickness of 1.6 mm and 2 mm. The joint efficiency of the friction stir welded AA 5052-H32 was 87.5 pct. when compared to the base material. The hardness was also observed to drop in the region of the weld. Key words: Friction stir welding, tool angle, aluminum alloy (AA5052-H32), Hardness, macrostructure, microstructure.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced magnesium alloy (AZ31)-based composite was fabricated using the technique of solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. In this paper is presented and briefly discussed the conjoint influence of reinforcement and processing on microstructural development, microhardness, tensile deformation and final fracture behavior of the magnesium alloy composite and comparisons made with the unreinforced alloy (AZ31). The interactive influences of the CNT reinforcement and processing in governing engineering stress versus engineering strain response and tensile properties is neatly presented and discussed. The macroscopic fracture mode and intrinsic microscopic mechanisms governing quasi-static deformation and fracture behavior of both the CNT reinforced and unreinforced magnesium alloy is both elaborated and rationalized in light of the specific role played by presence of reinforcing phase in the magnesium alloy metal matrix, intrinsic microstructural effects and nature of loading.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNT)-reinforced magnesium alloy (AZ31) was fabricated using the technique of solidification processing followed by hot extrusion. Test specimens of both the composite and the unreinforced alloy were cyclically deformed at two different load ratios spanning tension-tension loading (R = 0.1) and fully-reversed tension-compression (R= -1) loading under total stress amplitude-control. A comparison of the CNT reinforced magnesium alloy with the unreinforced counterpart revealed well over two hundred percent improvement in cyclic fatigue life at load ratio of 0.1 and about two-hundred and fifty percent improvement in the high cycle fatigue life under conditions of fully-reversed loading [R= -1.0]. At all values of maximum stress, the high cycle fatigue response of both the reinforced and unreinforced magnesium alloy was found to degrade at the lower load ratio (-1.0). The synergistic and interactive influences of reinforcement and processing on microstructural development, cyclic fatigue life and kinetics governing fracture behavior are presented and briefly discussed.