TWI

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new technique which utilizes frictional heating combined with a forging pressure to produce virtually defect-free high strength bonds. Although considerable experimental work has been reported in the literature, the process simulation work appears to be at a relatively early stage of development. Fundamental process aspects such as the nature of the heat source, and the coupling between thermal and mechanical phenomena are not completely understood. Numerical models can therefore help the understanding of the effects of the welding parameters and tool geometry on the temperature, strain and stress fields, and the resulting weld properties. This paper deals with the FSW modelling of thick aluminium plates made from AA5083.

8th International Symposium, 18-20 May 2010, Poster Session, Paper 01