Abstract

Friction stir processing is based on friction stir welding (FSW) which was invented by The Welding Institute (TWI) of United Kingdom. Friction Stir Processing (FSP) is a new micro structural modifications technique developed from concept of friction stir welding and it has become an efficient tool for homogenizing, refining the grain structure and improving the mechanical properties. In the present investigation, SiC particles were incorporated by using Friction Stir Processing (FSP), into the aluminum alloy 6351 to form particulate composite surface layers. The effects of rotational speed and traverse speeds on particle distribution and microstructures were studied. Microstructure observations were carried out by employing optical microscopy of the modified surface. Mechanical properties like Micro hardness and Tensile strength were also evaluated. The result showed that increasing the rotational speed caused more uniform distribution of SiC particles. The hardness of produced composite surface was improved as compared to that of base AA6351. Tensile test result of the produced surface metal matrix composite was significantly higher than of untreated base metal.

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