Abstract
Friction stir weldability of AZ31B Mg alloy was studied using microstructural observation and mechanical tests. Defect free joints was obtained under the condition of 2000rpm-100mm/min. In TMAZ, a lot of twin deformation were observed due to the mechanical effect of the FSW tool and thus relatively high hardness was obtained. In SZ, the twin deformation was disappeared by recovery and the hardness decreased because the. grain structure was coarsened by dynamic recrystallization and grain growth. The Al-Mn precipitates were observed throughout the joint regions. On the other hand, $$\beta$-Mg_{17}Al_{12}$ intermetallic compounds were not observed in either of the zone. The joint efficiency was about 80% and the impact value of the joint was almost equal to that of base metal.
