TWI Digital Library

A review is presented of the state-of-the-art of industrial friction stir welding (FSW) mass production, current trends, challenges and market demands as well as the potential of high speed complex contour welding on multi-axis FSW machinery with re…

An investigation incorporating experimental measurements and thermomechanical simulations was undertaken to examine the effects of underwater friction stir welding (FSW) on an AISI 321 stainless steel sheet (thickness 3 mm) and to analyse the mechan…

A numerical model of the friction stir welding (FSW) process was developed by employing finite element analysis of a non-Newtonian fluid to evaluate plastic deformation and heat generation of the weld material, and was applied to the design of tool …

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were performed on aluminium single crystals; the evolution of the grain structure and crystallographic texture from the parent material to the highly deformed region adjacent to the tool was studied, and the i…

Experimental investigations were undertaken to determine the way in which process parameters in friction stir welding (FSW) affect the distribution and quantity of embedded oxide particles in the weld zone and to elucidate the influence of such part…

With regard to heavy vehicle component applications, friction stir welding (FSW) and refill friction stir spot welding were employed to fabricate 5083 aluminium multisheet packs for superplastic forming (SPF) into 3D structural or integrally stiffen…

An arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation was developed to simulate the plunge, dwell and welding stages of the friction stir welding process using "FORGE3" finite element software, and the friction coefficients from a viscoplastic law were…

Curved overlap joints of a 7B04 aluminium alloy were fabricated using the "RoboStir" robotic friction stir welding system and their microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. The experimental set-up incorporated an ABB IRB7600 robot…

A methodology to facilitate cost-effective friction stir welding (FSW) of large and complex 3D structures is presented based on a parallel kinematic machine concept called Pentapod, and welding trial results for spherical structures and dissimilar m…

Welding trials are reported to demonstrate joint formation between S45C mild steel and aluminium alloy 6063 using a friction stir diffusion process. Welding experiments were undertaken using a machining centre with a cemented carbide rotating tool, …

A direct modelling approach ("SAMCEF" software finite element simulation) coupled with an inverse model, based on genetic algorithm optimisation (MAX software), was applied to the friction stir welding (FSW) process for two aluminium alloys (6005A-T…

Thermomechanical and microstructural modelling were performed for the friction stir welding process, simulating the thermal diffusion during and after welding (in the cooling stage), and comparing the results with experimental data obtained for fric…

The relationship between microstructure and hardness was investigated in friction stir welded aluminium alloy 6063-T5. The alloy thickness was 6 mm. Hardness profiles were measured across the stir zone. The microstructure of the as-welded and postwe…

The development of orbital friction stir welding (FSW) technology for joining aluminium pipes for gas insulated power transmission lines (GIL) is described. The equipment is outlined: hydraulic unit, control panel, FSW head with steel wire rope and …

The origin of the lines of micrometre sized oxide particles observed in aluminium alloy friction stir welds was investigated. Butt and bead on plate welds were prepared using 6 mm plate of aluminium (99.999%Al and 99.5%Al) and aluminium alloy 6056 (…

Friction stir welding (FSW) was carried out on AZ31 magnesium alloy (Mg, 3%Al, 1%Zn) plates of thickness 6 mm in order to examine the relationship between weld microtexture and tensile properties. Orientation imaging microscopy was used to examine m…

Friction stir spot welded joints in aluminium alloy 6061-T4 were studied. Sheet of 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 mm thickness was friction stir welded to sheet of 3 mm thickness, using welds of 8-18 mm in length (equivalent in area to circular resistance spot we…

In the realm of armor steels, the relationship between hardness and ballistic performance is crucial. Different hardness levels can lead to various modes of failure upon ballistic impact. However, when armor-grade steel plates undergo welding, the b…

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process, particularly suitable for aluminum alloys. The process allows the production of welds with a high seam strength and low distortion. Despite these benefits, irregularities can occur during…

An investigation was undertaken into the development and wear performance of friction stir welding (FSW) tools made from precipitation strengthened Ir-containing nickel-based superalloys (Ni, 25%Ir, 14%W, 4%Al) during FSW of Ti, 6%Al, 4%V alloys. Th…