Friction stir welding of high strength Aluminium- Lithium 2050 alloy: computed X-rays tomography correlated to weld efficiency

In the frame of AALASA project (Advanced Aluminium Lithium Alloys for Space Applications, founded by ESA), the present work investigates the weldability of 2050 Al alloy. In particular, the weldability window of 3 mm thick plates is investigated and correlated to non-destructive inspection and classical tensile testing. Computed tomography is used for the detection and quantification of welding defects inside the weld structure, highlighting the critical defects leading to failure of the welds.