TWI Digital Library

Neural-fuzzy modelling techniques were employed to develop a transparent model-based approach that creates linguistic indices directly from spectral-temporal FSW (friction stir welding) data in order to analyse the relationship between process param…

A friction stir welding (FSW) process map for AA 7075-T6 aluminium alloy (Al, 5.1-6.1%Zn, 2.1-2.9%Mg, 1.2-2%Cu) was determined using combined NDT techniques such as visual inspection, dye penetrant testing, X-ray radiography and ultrasonic testing a…

2024-T3 aluminium alloy (Al, 4.4%Cu, 1.5%Mg) thin sheets (thickness 1 mm) were joined by friction stir welding (FSW), and the effect of process parameters (tool rotation speed and traverse rate) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the…

In relation to weight and cost saving on spaceflight pressure vessels, two friction stir lap welding methods were demonstrated on large-scale thin-gauge hardware and evaluated with respect to tooling and tooling cost reduction, lap joint stiffness a…

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…

A high force, multi-axis friction stir welding (FSW) machine was employed to perform one-run welding experiments on thick plates (thickness 75 mm) of AA 6082-T6 alloys, and the hardness, microstructure and crystallographic texture of the joints were…

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, …

The effects of post weld heat treatments on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of friction stir welded dissimilar aluminium alloy joints (2024/6056) were studied. Sheets of 4 mm thickness were first joined in heat treatments T3 for 2…

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 paper comprises copies of the presentation slides which describe the development of welding experiments and equipment to provide experimental data to validate process models of the friction stir welding process. Data obtained include tool parame…

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 feasibility of joining layers of dissimilar metals (aluminium and steel) by friction stir welding (FSW) was investigated. Aluminium (A-1050-O) was placed above steel (JIS S50C carbon steel). The tool revolution was 3000 rpm and the tool feed rat…

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 influence of the process parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion of friction stir welded aluminium alloy 2024-T3 was investigated. Sheets of 1.6 and 4 mm thickness were welded using rotational speeds of 800-2400 rpm…

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…

A report is presented into the challenges faced when developing thermal, thermomechanical and flow models of the friction stir welding process, such as the evolution of predictive models, a method to find the correct contact state variable, and the …

A control concept for friction stir welding (FSW) of structural steels was developed based on a closed loop architecture that limits the heat input during the welding process according to the continuously monitored value of the magnetic permeability…

Thermodynamic modelling and experimental measurements were employed to investigate the influence of intermetallic compound formation on the shear strength of dissimilar joints between an aluminium alloy and ultra-high strength steel fabricated by fr…