TWI

An integrated multi-physics model was employed to predict the temperature distribution, the post-weld grain size distribution and the local subgrain size distribution around the pin during friction stir welding (FSW) of 6061 aluminium alloys. The multi-physics model incorporated computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, structural mechanics and grain size analytical modules. Model predictions were compared with experimental results for a process parameter set including a pin diameter of 6.35 mm, a rotational speed of 156 rpm and a welding speed of 0.42 mm/s. Issues discussed include the temperature distribution at the trailing edge of the weld centreline, the average grain size in the weld nugget and the cell structure in the thermomechanically affected zone.

9th International Symposium, 15-17 May 2012, Session 8B: Modelling II, Paper 03