TWI

A friction stir channelling process to promote a distinct material flow was developed, in which a controlled amount of viscoplasticised material from the metal workpiece flows out from the processed zone producing an internal channel without any gap between the tool shoulder and the workpiece, and the influence of various process parameters on channel shape and formation was investigated. Friction stir channels were produced in rolled plates (thickness 15 mm) of the strain hardened aluminium alloy AA 5083-H111. Friction stir channelling tests were performed using a "Legio" 3UL numerical control machine with a modular non consumable friction stir tool. The process parameters considered were vertical force, tool rotational speed, tool travel speed and tool geometry (probe and shoulder geometry).

11th International Symposium, 17-19 May 2016, Session 5A: Techniques I, Paper 04