Interface structure and bonding in abrasion circle friction stir spot welding: A novel approach for rapid welding aluminium alloy to steel automotive sheet

Aluminium alloy 6111-T4 and steel DC04 1 mm sheets have been successfully welded with a cycle time <1 s by "Abrasion circle friction spot welding", a novel approach to joining dissimilar materials. This was achieved by using a probe tool translated through a circular path to abrade the steel sheet. It is shown that successful welds can be produced between these two weld members with a cycle time of less than one second, that exhibit very high failure loads and a nugget pullout fracture mode desired by industry. Transmission electron microscopy investigation of the joint interface revealed no intermetallic reaction layer. The weld formation mechanisms are discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.