TWI Digital Library

An environmental comparison of friction stir welding (FSW) and MIG welding is presented in aluminium railway rolling stock for the following aspects: material consumption, energy consumption, work environment, emissions and waste, and need of transp…

The principles of friction stir welding (FSW) are outlined. The research and development of FSW technology in Japan is reviewed. Japan has concentrated on the 6xxx series of aluminium alloys. Research relating to thermal cycles of FSW and heat input…

The viscosity of aluminium alloy 6061-T6 was determined to obtain data necessary for the modelling of friction stir welding. A friction stir welding tool with a 5 mm diameter pin was plunged into an alloy disc (tool speeds 900-1500 rev/min, plunge d…

The microstructure and postweld heat treatment of friction stir welds in age hardening aluminium alloys were investigated. Aluminium alloy plate (2014-T6 and 7075-T6 and -T651) of thickness 6.35 mm (0.25 in) was friction stir welded and the joints s…

Friction stir welds were made in Al-Li 2195 aluminium alloy plate, 2195 plate was welded to 2219 aluminium alloy forgings, and the welds were characterised by studies of mechanical properties, microstructure and NDE. Welds were made in plate of 8.1 …

Friction stir welding (FSW) experiments were conducted on magnesium alloys, wrought AZ31 (Mg, 3%Al, 1%Zn) and cast AZ91 (Mg, 9%Al, 0.6%Zn), to investigate the effect of process conditions on microstructure and hardness. Welding was performed at rota…

An experimental investigation is presented into the fatigue properties of welded joints made by friction stir welding (FSW) of 2024-T4 (Al, 4.4%Cu, 0.6%Mn, 1.5%Mg) and 2014-T6 (Al, 4.5%Cu, 0.8%Mn, 0.5%Mg) aircraft alloys and their dependence on proc…

Extruded AZ31 (Mg, 3%Al, 1%Zn) alloy plates (thickness 6 mm) were joined by one-run or two-run friction stir welding (FSW) and the microstructure, mechanical properties and residual stress characteristics of the welded joints were investigated. FSW …

Friction stir welding experiments were undertaken on Ti-6%Al-4%V sheets (thickness 2 mm) in order to investigate the influence of process conditions on stir zone microstructure and local texture. Welding was performed at rotational speeds of 225-300…

With regard to the occurrence of residual oxide defects associated with friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium alloys, an investigation is presented into a possible alternative mechanism for oxide formation within the weld nugget involving enhance…

A feasibility study is presented for the joining of mild steel plates (0.2%C, 0.11%Si, 0.63%Mn) of 12 mm in thickness by friction stir welding (FSW). Process optimisation using a combination of operating parameters and tool geometries is discussed, …

A thermomechanical finite element model of the friction stir welding process, which considered temperature distributions in the workpiece and tool loadings, was developed and validated by comparing the model simulations with experimental data for th…

A discussion is presented on the industrial use of the friction stir welding (FSW) process looking at cost issues and technological developments. The cost implications of introducing FSW into production areas and the calculation of returns on invest…

The feasibility of friction stir welding steels was investigated using mild (low-carbon) steel plate (AISI-1010) of 6.4 mm (0.25 in) thickness. Temperature distributions were predicted using a simple thermal model. Tool wear was assessed by determin…

Microstructural evolution in friction stir welded commercially pure aluminium 1100-O plate was investigated. Plate of thickness 6.35 mm (0.25 in) was welded using rotational speeds of 700 and 1200 rpm, and welding speeds of 180 and 580 mm/min. The m…

Dissimilar lap joints were fabricated between 6022 aluminium alloy and SPCC low carbon steel using friction stir welding (FSW) and the effect of probe tip position on microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. FSW was performed at a …

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…

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…