TWI Digital Library

Bobbin-tool friction stir welding (BT-FSW) is a variant process of conventional friction stir welding with a particular tool configuration composed of an additional lower shoulder, enabling additional heat input and complete penetration of the pin. However, this process involves numerous parameters leading to heterogeneous mechanical and metallurgical properties of the weld joint, making the optimization difficult. The aim of this work is to define the appropriate welding parameters with a predictive model to optimize the weld joint and promote BT-FSW process. To achieve this goal, BT-FSW tests have been performed on aluminum 6061-T6 plates with different tools and welding parameters, especially rotation and advance speeds. Then welded samples have been analyzed, to study physical and mechanical reactions occurring in the material during the process and the impacts of these parameters.

13th International Symposium, 21-23 May 2024, Session 6: Techniques II, Paper 01