Developing an Empirical Relationship to Predict the Strength of Friction Stir Spot Welded Dissimilar Joints of Aluminum Alloy with Carbon Steel

The present investigation aims at developing an empirical relationship to predict the tensile shear strength of friction stir spot welded (FSSW) dissimiiar joints of (AA6061 aluminum alloy with carbon steel) incorporating parameters such as tool rotational speed, plunge rate, dwell time and tool diameter ratio. Experiments were conducted according to a four factor, five level central composite rotatable design of experiments concept. Strength of the joint was evaluated by a single lap shear test. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to check the adequacy of the developed relationship. The developed empirical relationship can be effectively used to predict tensile shear strength of the joints at 95% confidence level.