TWI Digital Library

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…

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were conducted on a variety of materials and grain structure development, material flow characteristics and crystallographic texture formation were examined by high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction.…

A numerical model based on the finite element method and axisymmetric thermo-elastic-plastic analysis was developed to describe the refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) process and to predict the temperature distribution in welded joints as a f…

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were undertaken on pure aluminium (A1050) sheets (thickness 5 mm), and the material flow during welding was visualised in 3D by x-ray radiography using a tiny spherical tungsten tracer. FSW was performed in po…

Neutron and synchrotron x-ray diffraction techniques were employed to determine the effect of global mechanical tensioning on residual stress in friction stir welded joints fabricated in AA 2199-T8 (Al, 2.63%Cu, 1.56%Li) and AA 7449-W51 (Al, 7.5-8.7…

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…

A methodology is presented to define conical tool geometry and process parameters for friction stir welding (FSW) of thin plates. A calculation algorithm integrating a basic thermal model, tool geometry and process kinematics is proposed, the proces…

A friction stir welding (FSW) procedure, incorporating the use of different tool pins in combination with concave or scroll type shoulders, was employed to join various aluminium alloys; material flow was investigated with the aid of computer micro-…

With regard to the development of the stationary shoulder friction stir welding (FSW) technique as a long term loading joining process offering enhanced weld seam mechanical properties, an investigation is presented into coordinated material flow be…

Friction stir spot welding experiments were undertaken on AZ31 magnesium alloy (Mg, 3%Al, 1%Zn, 0.2%Mn) sheets (thickness 2 mm) in order to investigate the influence of a flame spray gun rapid preheating process on the microstructures and mechanical…

The microstructure, particle refinement and homogeneity of distribution of the refined particles during the friction stir processing (FSP) of AlSi alloys were investigated. A commercial hypo-eutectic LM24/A380 Al-8.9%Si gravity die cast alloy (26 mm…

The development of friction stir welding (FSW) technology for the Ariane 5 ME heavy launch vehicle project is illustrated with respect to the superior material properties of FSW within the parameter development and the manufacturing of circumferenti…

Dissimilar joints between an AA 5052 aluminium alloy sheet (thickness 1 mm) and an alumina plate (thickness 10 mm) were fabricated by friction stir spot welding (FSSW) and their microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated. Welding was…

An experimental study was carried out to characterise the types of defect which may occur in friction stir welding (FSW) when operating outside the standard processing window and to determine the causes of these defects. Friction stir welds were mad…

Results are presented from tests carried out to determine the mechanical and corrosion properties of friction stir welds in sheets of thickness 4 mm of two aerospace aluminium alloys AA-6056 and AA-6013. The specimens included alloys in the T6 condi…

The Welding of Airframes by Friction Stir (WAFS) project was implemented to increase the adoption of friction stir welding (FSW) for welding airframes in the aerospace industry. The partners in WAFS include all the main airframe manufacturers in Eur…

The use of friction stir welding in aircraft manufacture, particularly the Airbus, both as an alternative to riveting and for the production of tailored blanks, is discussed. Potential benefits include cost and weight reduction. The European aircraf…

Friction stir welding developments, equipment, and applications for the joining of aluminium alloys, particularly for automotive applications, are reviewed. Body in white automotive applications include aluminium alloy tailor welded blanks and the m…

Stress corrosion cracking in friction stir welded aluminium alloy joints was investigated using two alternative techniques. Aluminium alloy 7050-T7541 (Al, 5.7-6.7%Zn, 2.0-2.6%Cu, 1.9-2.6%Mg, 0.15%Fe, 0.12%Si) plate of 6.35 mm (0.25 in) thickness wa…

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, …