Evolution and distribution of crystallographic texture on friction-stir welded joint of Mg-4.6Al-1.2Sn-0.7Zn magnesium alloy

The B-fiber texture in friction-stir welding of Mg–4.6Al–1.2Sn–0.7Zn magnesium alloy was investigated using electron-backscatter diffraction technique. The {0001} base plane of texture tended strongly to align with the effective geometric shear plane induced by the combined effect of the tool shoulder and the pin. The texture intensity is symmetrically distributed with respect to the weld centerline in shoulder-affected zone, while increases gradually from retreating side to advancing side in pin-affected zone. The inhomogeneous shear plastic strain and material transfer resulted in non-uniform distribution of texture on the welded joint.