Space shuttle ET friction stir weld machines
- Thompson J.
- Thompson J.
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Description
A description is presented of the friction stir welding (FSW) machine developed for fabrication of the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. The cylindrical part of the tanks was composed of curved panels welded into barrels with welds of constant thickness and tapered thickness. Requirements taken into consideration in the design process are discussed such as the need for tapered welds, clamp loads, accessibility for weld inspection and a joint tracking system. The machine is described including the retractable pin tool (RPT) design, actuation mechanisms and implementation of a force balance. A system for measuring RPT growth in order to improve process control is described.
4th International Symposium, 14-16 May 2003, Session 6B: Process & Equipment 2, Paper 03
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