TWI Digital Library

Finite element analysis was used to model the friction stir welding process in 6061-T6 aluminium alloy plate, to predict temperature, residual stress and distortion. Temperature distributions in the workpiece were determined as a function of time, c…

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were undertaken on commercially pure titanium and Ti, 6%Al, 4%V alloy sheets (thickness 1.2 and 1.25 mm, respectively), the microstructure of the weldments was examined and the wear mechanisms of the welding t…

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were undertaken on stacked laminates of pure copper and 60/40 brass (60%Cu, 40%Zn) to investigate material flow patterns and microstructural changes during welding. FSW was conducted using a threaded MX Tri-fl…

SiC particles, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and C60 fullerene were dispersed in an AZ31 alloy matrix by friction stir processing (FSP) and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the surface composites were investigated. The FSP conditions …

The material flows of aluminium and steel during friction stir welding were visualised in three dimensions using x-ray transmission radiographic real-time imaging. The movement of a miniature spherical tungsten tracer during welding was visualised u…

An experimental investigation was conducted into the friction stir welding (FSW) of 6 mm thickness aluminium alloy AA6082-T6 using welding conditions slightly outside the common process window. The microstructure, quality and fatigue strength of the…

The design, fabrication and evaluation of a portable friction stir welding (FSW) system for the in-situ field repair of aluminium structures to a depth of 6 mm is reported. The conceptual design of the FSW machine was produced using a dual-track app…

A mobile friction stir welding (FSW) machine, comprising a self-contained truck with four wheels, was proposed for use when welding large structural members made from aluminium alloys and the concept was verified by welding trials using a prototype …

The development and experimental validation of a finite element model ("DEFORM-3D" software) for friction stir welding (FSW) of 7XXX series aluminium alloys (e.g. AA-7075) with varying pin angle and advancing speed are described, and application of …

Friction stir welds were made in the austenitic stainless steels 304L (thickness 6.4 mm (0.25 in) and 3.2 mm (0.125 in)) and the superaustenitic stainless steel AL 6XN. Welds in the 3.2 mm sheet were made in a single pass. The 6.4 mm plates were wel…

The production of aluminium alloy forged suspension parts for light-weight vehicles using circumferential friction stir welding (FSW) is considered. The suspension arm is composed of three extruded shapes (bush bracket, yoke and pipe) joined by FSW.…

The microstructure and mechanical properties of double-sided welds made by friction stir welding (FSW) in aluminium alloy AA-5083 were investigated as part of research into the use of the alloy in vessels for storing liquid hydrogen at cryogenic tem…

Friction stir butt welds of Al alloy (2024, 6013 and 6056) sheets (4 mm thickness) were examined by conventional ultrasonic inspection with a single focused transducer (25 MHz frequency), facilitating the detection of void-like flaws as well as the …

A description is presented of the friction stir welding (FSW) machine developed for fabrication of the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. The cylindrical part of the tanks was composed of curved panels welded into barrels with welds of const…

The relationship between microstructure and corrosion of friction stir welded joints in aluminium alloys 2024-T351 (Al, 4.43%Cu, 1.42%Mg, 0.61%Mn) and 7010-T7651 (Al, 5.92%Zn, 2.11%Mg, 1.68%Cu) was investigated. Plate of 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thickness …

Friction stir welded and TIG welded butt joints in aluminium alloy 6061 matrix B4C-reinforced (15-30% B4C) composites were compared. TIG welds were produced using a combination of aluminium alloys 4043 and 4047 as filler metal with pure Ar or a mixe…

Quantification approaches applied to phase space data generated from friction stir welding aluminium alloys under varying process conditions are reported. A multi-step, micro-wormhole, non-destructive evaluation phase-spaced, (PS) algorithm that com…

Numerical simulations and experimental tests were undertaken to visualise material flow and to study the effect of the flow field on the mixing mechanism and particle break-up in friction stir welding of metal matrix composites. A 3D thermo-fluid mo…

Nondestructive testing of friction stir welds is discussed. The ultrasonic testing of friction stir welded joints, advantages of phased array testing and test applications are presented briefly. The eddy current array testing technique is illustrate…

Fatigue tests were performed using lap-shear specimens of friction stir spot welded Al, 0.8%Mg, 1%Si alloys. Sheet specimens (thickness 2 mm) were subjected to PWHT of solution treatment and/or ageing. Weld zone microstructure was observed by SEM. F…