Investigation of the corrosion mechanisms and the effect of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) on corrosion resistance of light alloys (Al e Mg) for application in the aeronautical industry

• Grant number: 19/02182-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2019
• End date: November 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Isolda Costa
• Grantee: Maurilio Pereira Gomes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a very efficient process to join high-strength aluminum alloys. It avoids the formation of welding defects that are originated from conventional welding techniques. In recent years, the interest in FSW by industries in general has increased significantly, but mainly by the aerospace industry. This is due to the fact that the welding of aluminum alloys using the FSW technique allows (i) the reduction of aircraft weight through the replacement of rivets and (ii) the use of different aluminum alloys that have low specific density and high mechanical strength. Despite the advantages of the FSW process, such as the possibility of joining metallic parts without their effective fusion - welding in the semi-solid state - which theoretically results in a weld joint free of defects, the heat resulting from the friction of the tool against the material to be welded causes microstructural changes along the weld bead. This in turn causes variations in the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the welded zone, including the formation of galvanic couples along the weld joint. The aim of this research project is to evaluate the influence of the FSW process on the microstructures generated along the weld joint, studying the different interactions between these regions focusing in localized electrochemical methods. To achieve these objectives, the techniques of Scanning Electrochemical Microscope (SECM), Local Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (LEIS), Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) and microcell will be used. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

GOMES, Maurilio Pereira. Investigation on the corrosion mechanisms of pure magnesium and the effect of friction stir welding (FSW) on the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy 2524-T3. 2021. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/BT) São Paulo.