TWI

The influence of the tool profile and short welding cycles on the friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of thin aluminium sheet was investigated using several different techniques including high-resolution x-ray tomography. Weld quality, microstructure,…

A friction bit joining (FBJ) process was developed to facilitate spot joining of dissimilar metals and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints were investigated. The material system considered comprised sheet specimens (thi…

The tolerance of operational accuracy and optimum tool control in 3D friction stir welding (FSW) was investigated in relation to joint mechanical properties. A five-axis controlled FSW machine was developed for 3D welding. The material studied was a…

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…

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments on aluminium alloys were conducted using transparent PVC material to visualise dynamic material flow by direct observation, and the characteristics of two types of vortex were investigated. A single block of P…

Fatigue crack initiation and propagation was studied in friction stir welded aluminium alloy 7010-T7651 and also in the parent alloy, using a combination of theoretical and experimental techniques. Finite element analysis was used to model the stres…

A 3D thermomechanical model, incorporating knowledge of residual distortion and stress, was developed as a finite element tool for simulation and optimisation of clamping situations in friction stir welding (FSW) and experiments were undertaken on A…

The formability of friction stir welded aluminium alloy tailored welded blanks (TWBs), as used in the automotive industry, was analysed, based on hardening exponent and anisotropy values obtained from tensile tests (parallel and normal to loading di…

Orientation imaging microscopy was employed to characterise the stir zone microstructure in relation to the defect formation tendency and evaluate the peak temperature at different locations in friction stir welded Ti-6%Al-4%V specimens. Welded join…

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 …

With regard to the application of friction stir welding (FSW) of ultra thin aluminium sheets (thickness less than 1 mm) to electronic packaging and micromechanical component joining, an investigation is presented into fixturing, process parameter an…

Friction stir processing (FSP) was employed to stir electroless copper coated SiC particles with a core shell structure to produce SiC/Cu particle reinforced aluminium matrix composites in the stir zone of AA 6061-T651 aluminium alloy plates with th…