TWI

In relation to the application of friction stir welding (FSW) to the production of metallic aircraft fuselages, a report is presented into the evolution of the MUVAX (multi use vacuum assisted exoskeleton) concept within the framework of the LuFo V-1 German aeronautical research programme and the fabrication of welding demonstrators with a combined cylindrical and spherical section. The MUVAX III prototype is described, comprising a robotic trolley incorporating a combined welding/milling head and a clamping system designed to fix parts to be welded and to guide the robot, enabling a semi-continuous feed rate. The process chain development to facilitate FSW of aircraft fuselage parts in a butt joint configuration is outlined. Welding results on AA 2024 aluminium alloy T351 test shells (thickness 3 mm) are reported.

12th International Symposium, 26-28 Jun 2018, Session 2A: Applications I, Paper 01