Evolution of microstructural and mechanical properties of AISI 316 during continuous drive friction welding process

The aim of present study is introducing a method by subdividing friction welding phases into three steps according to the temperature change during continuous drive friction welding operation. Thermal curve allowable subdividing of the friction welding phase’s time into three distinct periods, while the microstructure evolution during friction welding goes through three different situations. The effects of three distinct periods were achieved by macro-microscopy, microhardness HV_0.1, tensile tests and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The results clearly show that the microstructure during the friction phase goes through three completely different situations which mechanically influenced on microstructure, tensile strength and ductility of the welded joint.