TWI

The friction stir weldability of the dissimilar materials copper and aluminium alloy was studied, assessing the effects of different process parameters (rotation and traverse speeds, rotation direction (Cu or Al on advancing side), displacement and …

A friction stir welding (FSW) procedure using a W-Re alloy tool, magnetic welding fixture and a high-speed steel backing bar was developed for application to precipitation-hardened martensitic stainless steel (13.7%Cr, 7.1%Ni) thin sheet (thickness …

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were undertaken on type 304 austenitic stainless steel (18-20%Cr, 8-10.5%Ni) under various process conditions by changing the heat input, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of joints obtained at …

A methodology incorporating friction stir processing (for plasticising) and friction stir welding (for joining components) was developed to fabricate T-shaped copper conductor rails. Experiments were undertaken on copper plate specimens (thickness 8…

A refill friction stir spot welding technique was employed to fabricate joints in AA 2014 aluminium alloy (Al, 3.51%Cu, 0.7%Mn) sheets (thickness 2 mm) and the effect of tool rotational speed on microstructure and mechanical properties was investiga…

AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets (thickness 3 mm) were joined by TIG welding and the effect of two run rapid cooling friction stir processing (RC-FSP) on welded joint microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. TIG welding was undertaken a…

The effect of process parameters during the plunge stage of friction stir welding were examined as part of the development of industrialised friction stir welding equipment. The effects of the tool plunging speed and the rotational speed on the maxi…

Friction stir spot welding experiments were conducted on dissimilar metal joints between AA5052 aluminium alloy and two kinds of steel (980 MPa high tensile strength steel and 270 MPa mild steel), and the microstructure and mechanical properties of …

With regard to the use of copper canisters for the storage of spent nuclear fuel, an investigation is presented into a cascade controller to maintain probe temperature and to control power input and tool depth during friction stir welding procedures…

Numerical simulations and experimental measurements were undertaken to study the temperature fields developed during friction stir welding (FSW) of AW 5083 (Al, 4-4.9%Mg, 0.25%Mn) alloy plates (thickness 10 mm). Welding was conducted at a rotational…

Dissimilar butt joints between aluminium alloys and steel or an AZ91 magnesium alloy (Mg, 9.39%Al, 0.85%Zn) were fabricated by ultrasound enhanced friction stir welding (USE-FSW) and their microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties were inv…

Rotary friction welding was employed to fabricate joints between an ASTM A36 steel pipe (0.11%C, 0.2%Si, 0.92%Mn, 0.02%Cr, 0.02%Nb, 0.03%Al) and an API 6A flange and microstructural analyses and mechanical tests were undertaken to investigate the se…

Kahn notched tear tests and fractography were employed to investigate variations in toughness and fracture mode across the weld zones in friction stir welded AA 7449 plates (thickness 40 mm) in the TAF (temper for age-forming) condition. Welding was…

Aluminium alloy fusion welds were modified by friction stir processing (FSP) as a function of FSP location and tool design, and differences between the FSP locations and tools were quantified by microstructure and mechanical property measurements (u…

As part of a project to develop a physical-mathematical model and software for thermal simulation of the friction stir welding (FSW) process, an initial version "FricSim2.2" was created and verified, using the software tool "SpotFSW" to convert the …

The incorporation of strips of copper foil in friction stir welded aluminium alloy plate was evaluated for flow visualisation without disturbing the welding process. The strips, of 0.1 mm thickness, were placed in various longitudinal and transverse…

The design and construction of a prototype fixture and a corner fixture for making 90 degree corner joints in aluminium alloys by friction stir welding (FSW) are described. The requirements for a FSW weld fixture are outlined. The fixtures were test…

The microstructure of a friction stir weld (of unknown welding parameters) in titanium alloy (Ti, 6%Al, 4%V) is described. The microstructure was studied using optical microscopy, SEM and TEM. The features of the parent material, HAZ and the thermom…

Guidance notes devised for Lloyd's Register of Shipping surveyors for use in the quality assurance of friction stir welded aluminium alloys are presented.The notes cover: welding equipment, materials welded, and welding requirements (weld qualificat…

The friction stir welding of copper for the production of spent nuclear fuel storage disposal canisters was investigated. Initial trials were conducted on UNS-C10100 plate of 10 mm thickness. The high temperatures required the use of a sintered tung…