Effect of Friction and Forging Pressures on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction-Welded Grade 12.9 Steel Studs
摘要
Friction welding is a solid-state joining technique where friction and forging pressures play a vital role in weld quality. This study investigates how varying these pressures affects the microstructure, mechanical properties, and weld efficiency of friction-welded high-tensile Grade 12.9 steel studs. Welding was carried out using four pressure combinations, with constant rotation speed and friction time. Microstructure was analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy, along with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical performance was evaluated through tensile testing, Vickers hardness, and weld efficiency. Results showed that higher pressures produced finer martensitic and bainitic microstructures, enhancing ductility and weld strength. The highest hardness (618 HV) occurred in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) at low pressures but was linked to brittle fracture. In contrast, high-pressure welds achieved up to 78% efficiency and ductile failure. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing pressure parameters to enhance weld quality and structural performance.