Microstructure and mechanical properties at the unsteady areas of non-linear friction stir welding

The influence of tool control in non-linear friction stir welding (FSW) on mechanical properties of joints was investigated. FSW is widely applied to linear joints. It is impossible for five axis FSW machines, however, to keep all the FSW parameters in optimum conditions at non-linear welding. Non-linear FSW joints should be made by compromise with the order of priority for FSW parameters. The tensile test results of butt joints with rectangular change in welding direction on plate plane (L-shaped butt joints) with various welding parameter change. It was found that turn to the retreating side is encouraged when welding direction change. And the method of zero inclination tool angle is effective at non-linear and plane welding.