Effect of Process Factors on Tensile Shear Load Using the Definitive Screening Design in Friction Stir Lap Welding of Aluminum–Steel with a Pipe Shape

Recently, friction stir welding of dissimilar materials has emerged as one of the most significant issues in lightweight, eco-friendly bonding technology. In this study, we welded the torsion beam shaft-an automobile chassis component-with cast aluminum to lighten it. The study rapidly and economically investigated the effects of friction stir welding and process parameters for A357 cast aluminum and FB590 high-strength steel; 14 decomposition experiments were conducted using a definitive screening design that could simultaneously determine the effects of multiple factors. Friction stir welding experiments were conducted using an optical microscope to investigate the tensile shear load behavior in the welding zone. In addition to understanding the interactions between tool penetration depth and plunge speed and tool penetration depth and dwell time, we investigated and found that tool penetration depth positively affected the size of the hooking area and contributed to the stabilization and size reduction of the cavity. The experimental results showed that the plunge depth and tool penetration depth effects were most important; in this case, the plunge depth negatively affected the magnitude of tensile shear load, whereas the tool penetration depth had a positive effect. Therefore, when selecting a tool, it is important to consider the plunge depth and tool penetration depth in lap welding.