TWI

A modified Gleeble hot torsion test was used to simulate the stir zone microstructures in types 304L and 310 stainless steels obtained during friction stir welding (FSW). A Gleeble 3800 with a torsion mobile conversion unit was used to perform the t…

Following an overview of friction stir spot welding (FSSW) for potential automotive applications (including robotic FSSW in poke welding and C-frame configurations, and pedestal FSSW machines for manual, automatic or robotic use), a FSSW process dev…

3-point fatigue bending tests and finite element method simulations were employed to study the fatigue performance of combined lap-butt joints fabricated by friction stir welding in 6005A-T6 alloy (Al, 0.61%Si, 0.54%Mg) extruded profiles for railway…

The feasibility of short-cycle friction stir spot welding for joining thin sheet aluminium alloys and steels, both galvanised and ungalvanised, was evaluated. Welds were made between 6111-T4 AlMgSi alloy (Al, 0.75%Cu, 0.25%Fe, 0.75%Mg, 0.2%Mn, 0.69%…

The results of quality assessments, based on visual examination, mechanical testing, analysis of weld structures and hardness testing, of both similar and dissimilar friction stir welded (FSW) joints of aluminium casting alloys EN AC-42100, EN AC-43…

To assess the feasibility of friction stir welding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy (thickness 5 mm), appropriate pin tool material and processing parameters were determined, thermal and environmental management systems were tested, and both A- and B-basis design…

An investigation is presented into the fatigue characteristics of friction stir welded (FSW) lap joints made from artificially aged Al alloy 6082 (Al, 0.6-1.2%Mg, 0.7-1.3%Si) using a tool based on the "Triflute" concept with either convex or concave…

A 16-run screening design of experiments (DOE) was conducted to analyse the effects of nine factors during friction stir welding on process forces, temperatures and shoulder depth. The factors were spindle speed, feed rate, plunge depth, pin length,…

The tensile and fatigue strength of friction stir welds were determined for aluminium alloy 6082 in various temper conditions. Plate of 5.8 mm thickness, in both T6 and T4 conditions, was welded using a tool speed of 1000 rev/min and a welding speed…

The effects of friction stir welding process parameters (tool rotation speed and travel speed) on defects and mechanical properties in welds in aluminium alloys were investigated. Microstructural, macrostructural and mechanical properties of the wel…

Based on lessons learned from the MegaStir research programme devoted to friction stir welding (FSW) of high temperature alloys and with the aim of producing high quality, defect free welded joints while maximising tool life, a report is presented i…

An investigation is presented into the effect of frictional heating on joint behaviour during friction stir welding (FSW) between aluminium alloy 6063 and mild steel S45C, the cross-section microstructure of the weld interface, and the welding mecha…

The friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminium alloys for the production of aircraft structural components was investigated. Welds were made between alloys 7040 and 7449 pre-aged to obtain a defined temper after post-weld ageing. Alloy 7040 was a…

The effects of friction stir welding (FSW) parameters and tool geometry on the forces and torques generated during the FSW of four aluminium alloys were studied. The alloys were 6082-T6 (6.45 mm), 5083-H111 (6.55 mm), 2014-T6 (5.9 mm) and 7075-T7351…

The decision to use friction stir welding (FSW) in the manufacture of aluminium alloy car wheels by Simmons Wheels, Sydney, Australia is described. Rim sections are formed from alloy 6061 in thicknesses of 4-6 mm. These are attached to cast or forge…

Friction stir welding trials, comprising double-sided butt welding of plates of thickness 10-11 mm, were conducted to investigate the weldability of copper and its alloys and to determine the correct process parameters (welding and rotation speeds) …

Tensile tests, computed tomography and documentation of process forces were employed to investigate the weldability of 1.4310 austenitic stainless steel reinforced extruded AW-6060 alloy (Al, 0.35-0.6%Mg, 0.6%Si) by friction stir welding, and the re…

Following a brief overview of the state of the art and applications for FSW of aluminium and Al alloys, experience and activities with this process at TWI Ltd (UK) are introduced. Principles, advantages and applications are presented of some process…

The influence of tool geometry and process conditions on the lap shear strength, weld integrity and efficiency during friction stir spot welding of magnesium alloys for automotive applications was investigated. The macro- and microstructures and wel…

With regard to the development of spin-formed domes for aerospace cryogenic fuel storage tanks, an investigation is presented into a friction stir welding (FSW) process for AA 2219 and AA 2195 aluminium alloys and the influence of FSW tool and proce…