TWI

A friction stir welding (FSW) procedure, incorporating the use of different tool pins in combination with concave or scroll type shoulders, was employed to join various aluminium alloys; material flow was investigated with the aid of computer micro-tomography and metallographic techniques, and the results were analysed in relation to mechanical properties and process conditions. The alloys tested were 2024-T351 (Al, 3.94%Cu, 1.24%Mg), 6013-T6 (Al, 1.07%Mg, 0.7%Si, 0.78%Cu) and AlMgSc (Al, 4.01%Mg). Processing temperature and force were measured during FSW. Flow visualisation was realised by implanting marker materials, in the form of Ti or Cu powder, along both sides of the welded joint line. Uniaxial static flat tensile tests were performed on FSW butt welds using a Schenk-Trebel testing machine.

6th International Symposium, 10-13 Oct 2006, Session 12A: Fundamentals, Paper 01