Fatigue of friction stir and GTAW welded AZ31B magnesium alloy

The mechanical behavior of butt welds made on AZ31B magnesium alloy plates by solid-state friction stir welding (FSW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is presented. Fatigue, tensile strength, and hardness tests were performed. Also, fractographic analyses of the weld microstructures were conducted. Tests results show that the fatigue performance of FSW joints was superior to that of conventional welding (GTAW).Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version