TWI

With regard to the development of spin-formed domes for aerospace cryogenic fuel storage tanks, an investigation is presented into a friction stir welding (FSW) process for AA 2219 and AA 2195 aluminium alloys and the influence of FSW tool and process parameters on weld seam properties. The manufacturing process incorporated FSW of AA 2195 plates (thickness 12 mm) to form larger blanks, blank shape forming by spin-forming technology, and heat treatment steps to achieve a tank dome in temper condition T8. Several welding tool designs and path planning concepts were evaluated to facilitate a constant hardness profile and the avoidance of grain growth at boundary zones after annealing. Welding was performed using an ESAB Superstir Welding System to fabricate AA 2219 and AA 2195 prototypes. Welding defects were identified by X-ray inspection, optical microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

9th International Symposium, 15-17 May 2012, Poster Session, Paper 08