TWI Digital Library

A short review is presented of the development of a friction stir welding process for steel and other hard metals using W-Re tool materials to produce repeatable, thick-section welds with minimal tool deformation. Issues discussed include: W, 25%Re tool material with an elongated grain structure; simulation and validation of tool deformation using 2D axisymmetric finite element techniques; modelling results for temperature distribution and plastic strain; and tool wear mechanisms. Examples of friction stir welding results for high strength structural steel specimens (thickness 19 mm) using both double-sided and single-sided approaches are reported.

7th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2008, 3B: Steel 1, Paper 02