TWI

An extensive study of friction stir welding (FSW) of HSLA-65 steel plate (thickness 6 mm) was undertaken, incorporating defect-free friction stir butt welding at a travel speed of 3.4 mm/s, the achievement of low/no distortion FSW by employing appropriate process parameters and secure clamping, an investigation of weld metal mechanical properties, weld zone residual stress measurements, and FSW of T joints. Mechanical properties were characterised by tensile tests. A laser tracker 500 was used to determine distortion of the plate before and after FSW, and longitudinal residual stresses were measured by the contour method. Other issues discussed include polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tool life and design, weld nugget microstructure, and support tooling designs for FSW of T joints.

7th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2008, 6B: Steel 2, Paper 02