A Fully Coupled Thermomechanical Model of Friction Stir Welding(FSW) and Numerical Studies on Process Parameters of Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Joints

This paper presents a new thermomechanical model of friction stir welding which is capable of simulating the three major steps of friction stir welding(FSW) process, i.e., plunge, dwell, and travel stages. A rate-dependent Johnson–Cook constitutive model is chosen to capture elasto-plastic work deformations during FSW. Two different weld schedules(i.e., plunge rate, rotational speed, and weld speed) are validated by comparing simulated temperature profiles with experimental results. Based on this model, the influences of various welding parameters on temperatures and energy generation during the welding process are investigated. Numerical results show that maximum temperature in FSW process increases with the decrease in plunge rate, and the frictional energy increases almost linearly with respect to time for different rotational speeds. Furthermore, low rotational speeds cause inadequate temperature distribution due to low frictional and plastic dissipation energy which eventually results in weld defects. When both the weld speed and rotational speed are increased, the contribution of plastic dissipation energy increases significantly and improved weld quality can be expected.     

Friction stir welding of aluminium casting alloys

The results of testing friction stir welding quality in relation to EN AC-43200 (AK9) and EN AC-45000 (AK64) aluminium casting alloys are presented. The test joints were made with the use of a welding machine constructed on the basis of numerically controlled milling machines. The assessment of the joint quality was made based on visual inspection, mechanical testing, weldment structure analysis and hardness tests. The purpose of the investigation was to discover the possibility of friction stir welding of casting alloys and the influence of welding conditions on joint properties and structure. The test results show good weldability of aluminium casting alloys by the FSW method. Sound welds can be obtained in a relatively wide range of welding parameters while the weld strength is satisfactory. In order to obtain the highest quality joints, the workpieces must be pressed onto the other, while the welding process cannot run with excessively high speed. The best mechanical properties of the joints were achieved when the friction process was conducted at a rotational speed of the mixing tool of 900 rpm.     

Orbital friction stir lap welding in tubular parts of aluminium alloy AA5083

In this study, orbital friction stir lap welding of 360?mm diameter AA5083-H321 tube to 350?mm diameter AA5083-O flange was investigated. The influence of rotational and travel speed of tool with triangular frustum pin on the metallurgical structure and mechanical properties of orbital friction stir lap welded samples were studied. The results indicated that defect free orbital lap joints are successfully obtained using tool rotational speed of 650 and 800?rev?min^?1 with a constant travel speed of 40?mm?min^?1. The strengthening mechanism in the stir zone is solid solution strengthening and dislocation looping. The maximum joint strength was achieved at a welding speed of 650?rev?min^?1 and 40?mm?min^?1. Failure of tensile shear test samples occurred far from the friction stir welding zone.     

Development of processing windows for friction stir spot welding of aluminium Al5052 /copper C27200 dissimilar materials

Friction stir spot welding technique was used to join dissimilar combinations of aluminium alloy (Al5052) with copper alloy (C27200) and friction stir spot welding windows such as tool rotational speed–dwell time and tool rotational speed–plunge depth diagrams for effective joining of these materials were developed. Using a central composite design model, empirical relations were developed to predict the changes in tensile shear failure load values and interface hardness of the joints with three process parameters such as tool rotational speed, plunge depth and dwell time. The adequacy of the developed model was verified using ANOVA analysis at 95% confidence level. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the developed model to maximize tensile strength and minimize interface hardness. A high tensile shear failure load value of 3850 N and low interface hardness value of HV 81 was observed for joints made under optimum conditions, and validation experiments confirmed the high predictability of the developed model with error less than 2%. The operating windows developed shall act as reference maps for future design engineers in choosing appropriate friction stir spot welding process parameter values to obtain good joints.     

Macrostructures and mechanical properties of ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding joint of 2024-T3 aluminium alloy

In friction stir welding of aluminum alloys, tunnel defect may occur due to insufficient plastic material flow caused by lower heat input in the weld region. The inadequacy in heat input is due to improper selection of friction stir welding tool and process parameters. Ultimately, such defects degrade the properties of weld and may pose serious concerns towards the integrity and safety of the weld component. In order to improve the properties of weld joints, an ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding device has been configured where ultrasonic energy is transferred from an ultrasonic unit directly into one of the workpieces near the tool. Using this configuration, ultrasonic-assisted friction stir welding was conducted on 6 mm thick 2024-T3 aluminum alloy sheets. The macrostructure and mechanical properties of these welds were compared with the welds of this alloy prepared by conventional friction stir welding using identical process parameters. The results show that the welding speed can be increased while satisfactory weld quality is still ensured. The ultrasonic energy transferred in this configuration could enlarge the volume of weld nugget zone. Also, the influence of ultrasonic energy on the suppression or elimination of the tunnel defect is quite apparent. However, any beneficial effects of ultrasonic vibration on the tensile strength and the elongation of the joint were less obvious in this configuration.     

搅拌摩擦焊工艺参数对铸态A356铝合金抗拉强度的影响(英文)

A356是一种高强度铝硅铸造态合金,广泛用于食品、化工、船舶、电器和汽车行业。熔焊这种铸造合金时存在许多问题,如孔隙、微裂隙、热裂等。然而,用搅拌摩擦焊(FSW)来焊接这种铸造态合金可以避免上述缺陷发生。研究了搅拌摩擦焊工艺参数对铸造态A356铝合金抗拉强度的影响;对旋转速度、焊接速度和轴向力等工艺参数进行优化;从宏观和微观组织分析角度对焊接区的质量进行分析;对焊接接头的抗拉强度进行了测定,并对抗拉强度与焊缝区硬度和显微组织的相关性进行了研究。在旋转速度1000r/min、焊接速度75mm/min和轴向力5kN的条件下得到的焊接接头具有最高的抗拉强度。     

Seam-Tracking for Friction Stir Welded Lap Joints

This article presents a method for automatic seam-tracking in friction stir welding (FSW) of lap joints. In this method, tracking is accomplished by weaving the FSW tool back-and-forth perpendicular to the direction of travel during welding and monitoring force and torque signals. Research demonstrates the ability of this method to automatically track weld seam positions. Additionally, tensile and S-bend test result comparisons demonstrate that weaving most likely does not reduce weld quality. Finally, benefits of this weave-based method to FSW of lap joints are discussed and methods for incorporating it into existing friction stir welding control algorithms (such as axial load control) are examined.     

20mm厚2219铝合金可回抽搅拌摩擦焊接及接头组织和性能分析

为了解决封闭环缝的焊接匙孔问题,研究了采用可回抽搅拌摩擦焊接进行匙孔消除的焊接工艺. 在厚板可回抽焊接过程中,搅拌针末端的瞬时空腔问题受体积效应影响将更为显著且更难控制. 研究了不同回抽焊接长度下20 mm中厚板2219铝合金可回抽焊接接头的内部质量、组织形貌和力学性能. 结果表明,在焊接速度100 mm/min、搅拌头转速400 r/min的参数组合下,回抽焊接区长度为200 ~ 500 mm时,可获得无内部缺陷的可回抽搅拌摩擦焊焊缝;回抽焊接区接头横截面上存在2个焊核,靠近焊缝上表面的焊核大小随着回抽过程不断减小;一次焊接、重复焊接和可回抽焊接接头的拉伸性能依次降低,且可回抽焊接接头的力学性能随着回抽距离的增长而有所提升;在实际工程应用中回抽距离500 mm为较优的参数选择.     

Comparison of RSM with ANN in predicting tensile strength of friction stir welded AA7039 aluminium alloy joints

Friction stir welding(FSW) is an innovative solid state joining technique and has been employed in aerospace, rail, automotive and marine industries for joining aluminium, magnesium, zinc and copper alloys. The FSW process parameters such as tool rotational speed, welding speed, axial force, play a major role in deciding the weld quality. Two methods, response surface methodology and artificial neural network were used to predict the tensile strength of friction stir welded AA7039 aluminium alloy. The experiments were conducted based on three factors, three-level, and central composite face centered design with full replications technique, and mathematical model was developed. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify critical parameters. The results obtained through response surface methodology were compared with those through artificial neural networks.     

Evaluation of Microstructure,Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Friction Stir-Welded Aluminum and Magnesium Dissimilar Alloys

Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dissimilar friction stir-welded aluminum and magnesium alloys were investigated by applying three different rotational speeds at two different travel speeds. Sound joints were obtained in all the conditions. The microstructure was examined by an optical and scanning electron microscope, whereas localized chemical information was studied by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Stir zone microstructure showed mixed bands of Al and Mg with coarse and fine equiaxed grains. Grain size of stir zone reduced compared to base metals, indicated by dynamic recrystallization. More Al patches were observed in the stir zone as rotational speed increased. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of intermetallics in the stir zone. Higher tensile strength and hardness were obtained at a high rotational speed corresponding to low travel speed. Tensile fractured surface indicated brittle nature of joints. Dissimilar friction stir weld joints showed different behaviors in different corrosive environments, and better corrosion resistance was observed at a high rotational speed corresponding to low travel speed (FW3) in a sulfuric and chloride environments. Increasing travel speed did not significantly affect on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance as much as the rotational speed.     

焊接工艺参数对10 mm厚2219铝合金双轴肩搅拌摩擦焊焊缝质量和性能的影响

以国内新一代运载火箭某模块共底贮箱中最厚的10 mm 2219C10S铝合金对接焊缝为对象,研究了焊接工艺参数对10 mm厚2219铝合金双轴肩搅拌摩擦焊焊缝质量和性能的影响。结果表明,从焊缝表面成形可以看出,搅拌头转速的选择对焊缝质量具有重要影响,当搅拌头转速n≥250 r/min时,焊缝表面均出现不同程度金属擦伤缺陷,而当搅拌头转速n=200 r/min时,较大焊接速度范围内均可得到表面成形良好的焊缝。通过焊缝组织形貌分析,当n≥250 r/min时,接头焊核区存在“焊核凸出”现象;当n=200 r/min时,焊核呈现典型的“哑铃形”,与焊缝表面成形规律一致。不同条件下接头显微硬度呈典型的W形分布,但随着焊接速度的增大,接头显微硬度平均水平逐渐升高。接头力学性能试验表明,接头抗拉强度均在310 MPa以上,断后伸长率稳定在7.0%～7.5%范围内,接头断口呈典型的韧性断裂。创新点： 研究了10 mm厚2219铝合金双轴肩搅拌摩擦焊工艺;确定了对接头质量和性能具有较大影响的工艺参数;得到了可获得良好接头性能的工艺参数范围,为后续该技术的工程化应用奠定基础。     

静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊的研究进展

综述了静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊的研究进展,主要涉及静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊的基本原理以及高转速、常规转速和角焊缝的静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊等内容.高旋转频率的静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊在降低焊接载荷的同时,能够减小、甚至消除飞边和孔洞缺陷.常规旋转频率的静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊可获得沿板厚方向更均匀的焊缝组织,适合于热导率差的钛合金的焊接.设计与两侧板面完全贴合的静止轴肩,以角焊缝的形式实现T形接头的焊接,拓宽了搅拌摩擦焊的应用范围.无论是高旋转频率、常规旋转频率还是角焊缝的静止轴肩搅拌摩擦焊,都存在搅拌头的磨损和过热问题,尚需开展深入、系统的研究.     

Influence of Processing Parameters on Induced Energy, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of FSW Butt Joint of 7475 AA

Friction stir welding (FSW), a promising solid state joining process invented at TWI in 1991, was used to join 9?mm thick 7475 aluminum alloy which is considered essentially unweldable by fusion processes. In the present work, the process parameters such as tool rotational speed were varied from 300 to 1000?rpm for a travel speed of 50?mm/min and the influence of process parameters in terms of energy input on microstructure, hardness, tensile strength, and the corrosion property of 7475 aluminum joints was evaluated and analyzed. The maximum tensile strength of FSW joints was obtained at rotational speed of 400?rpm and traverse speed of 50?mm/min (59.2?kJ) which attributed maximum stirred zone area and maximum hardness. The maximum corrosion resistance properties of weld in 3.5% NaCl solution, however, were obtained at rotational speed of 1000?rpm and traverse speed of 50?mm/min. Furthermore, for a given weld, stirred zone showed improved corrosion properties than TMAZ.     

Optimisation of friction stir welding process parameters to weld cast aluminium alloy A413 – an experimental approach

Abstract

A413 is a high strength eutectic aluminium silicon cast alloy used in the food, chemical, marine, electrical and automotive industries. Fusion welding of these cast alloys can lead to problems such as porosity, microfissuring and hot cracking, etc. However, friction stir welding can be used to weld these cast alloys effectively, without defects. In this investigation, an attempt was made to optimise the friction stir welding process parameters for joining the cast aluminium alloy A413. Joints were made using four levels each of tool rotation speed, welding speed and axial force. The quality of the weld zone was analysed using macrostructure and microstructure analysis. Tensile strength of the joints were evaluated and correlated with the weld zone hardness and microstructure. The joint fabricated using a tool rotation speed of 900 rev min^?1, a welding speed of 75 mm min^?1 and an axial force of 3 kN showed the best tensile strength.     

工艺参数对搅拌摩擦焊洋葱圆环形成的影响

搅拌摩擦焊中焊缝材料的流动对焊件性能有很大影响，洋葱圆环是搅拌摩擦焊焊焊核区中材料流动的集中体现，文中对5mm厚的1060、3003铝合金板材进行了搅拌摩擦焊连接，通过对其焊核区腐蚀后的形貌观察分析研究了不同工艺参数下材料的流动形态，结果表明，工艺参数对搅拌摩擦焊焊核区洋葱圆环的形成有很大影响，采用较高的搅拌头转速和合适的焊接速度可获得稳定，质量良好的搅拌摩擦焊接头。     

Multi-objective optimization of friction stir welding parameters using desirability approach to join Al/SiCp metal matrix composites

Silicon carbide particulate (SiC_p) reinforced cast aluminium (Al) based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have gained wide acceptance in the fabrication of light weight structures requiring high specific strength, high temperature capability and good wear resistance. Friction stir welding (FSW) process parameters play major role in deciding the performance of welded joints. The ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and weld nugget hardness of friction stir butt welded joints of cast Al/SiC_p MMCs (AA6061 with 20% (volume fraction) of SiC_p) were investigated. The relationships between the FSW process parameters (rotational speed, welding speed and axial force) and the responses (ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and weld nugget hardness) were established. The optimal welding parameters to maximize the mechanical properties were identified by using desirability approach. From this investigation, it is found that the joints fabricated with the tool rotational speed of 1370 r/min, welding speed of 88.9 mm/min, and axial force of 9.6 kN yield the maximum ultimate tensile strength, notch tensile strength and hardness of 265 MPa, 201 MPa and HV114, respectively.     

Friction stir welding of co-cast aluminium clad sheet

The effects of welding parameters on material consolidation are examined during friction stir butt welding of 2 mm Al 5083 alloy aluminium sheet with a surface cladding of Al 3025 alloy, which was co-cast from the melt. The influence of welding parameters on joint consolidation is investigated when tool revolutions per minute, travel speed and penetration depth were varied. It was found that modifying the pin of the welding tool to have a two-flat profile improves material consolidation and avoids defect formation during welding, and optimum welding parameters involve a combination of high tool rotation speed and travel speed. Optical and electron microscopy revealed that the integrity of the surface cladding layer could be maintained during friction stir welding while avoiding defect formation within the stir zone of the weld. The tensile strength of the joint was ～58% of the base material due to softening within the stir zone.     

超声振动对6061-T4铝合金搅拌摩擦焊接头组织和性能的影响

利用自主研制的试验装置,通过工具头将超声振动能量施加在搅拌头前方的待焊工件上,研究了超声振动能量对减少焊接缺陷、改善搅拌摩擦焊接头组织和力学性能的影响.对6 mm厚度6061-T4铝合金板进行了超声振动强化搅拌摩擦焊工艺试验,并与相同工艺条件下的常规搅拌摩擦焊进行了对比.结果表明,超声振动能够减小焊速/转速比较大时的焊缝内部隧道型缺陷,增大材料对接混合区宽度和焊核区体积,细化焊核区和热力影响区微观组织,提高接头抗拉强度和焊核区显微硬度.     

铁素体不锈钢搅拌摩擦焊工艺及缺陷形成机理

采用钨铼合金搅拌工具对T4003铁素体不锈钢进行搅拌摩擦焊接工艺试验,研究搅拌摩擦焊缝成形、接头组织特征及缺陷形成机理.结果表明,不同旋转速度下随焊接速度增加,轴向压力呈单调增加趋势;当转速为150,250 r/min时,可获得无缺陷致密焊缝;当转速为350 r/min时,靠近前进侧的焊缝区出现孔洞缺陷,随着焊接速度和轴向压力不断增加,焊接缺陷有减少趋势.焊接接头焊核区发生了相变和明显淬硬现象,组织为细小等轴铁素体和低碳马氏体,焊缝具有明显不均匀硬度分布.提出了一种焊缝热塑性金属平衡流动模型分析其缺陷形成机理.     

超声振动对6061-T4铝合金搅拌摩擦焊接头组织和性能的影响

利用自主研制的试验装置,通过工具头将超声振动能量施加在搅拌头前方的待焊工件上,研究了超声振动能量对减少焊接缺陷、改善搅拌摩擦焊接头组织和力学性能的影响.对6 mm厚度6061-T4铝合金板进行了超声振动强化搅拌摩擦焊工艺试验,并与相同工艺条件下的常规搅拌摩擦焊进行了对比.结果表明,超声振动能够减小焊速/转速比较大时的焊缝内部隧道型缺陷,增大材料对接混合区宽度和焊核区体积,细化焊核区和热力影响区微观组织,提高接头抗拉强度和焊核区显微硬度.