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A mobile friction stir welding (FSW) machine, comprising a self-contained truck with four wheels, was proposed for use when welding large structural members made from aluminium alloys and the concept was verified by welding trials using a prototype machine. The target application was identified as cargo tanks of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier vessel made from 5083-O aluminium alloy. Auto-start/stop, seam tracking, process monitoring and guide rail functions were incorporated into the prototype machine to facilitate fully automatic operation. Welding trials were undertaken on 5083-O alloy (Al, 4.6%Mg) plates (thickness 50 mm), and the mechanical properties of the FSW joints were characterised by tensile and side bend tests.

6th International Symposium, 10-13 Oct 2006, Session 5A: Process I, Paper 01