A method for double-sided friction stir spot welding

A rotating anvil similar to a pinless friction stir welding (FSW) tool can be applied to friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of thin metal plates. FSSW is a solid-state joining process that is currently being used by automotive manufacturers as an alternative to rivets and traditional resistance spot welding. The principal detractor of this process is the keyhole left by pin extraction, which can be detrimental to the weld strength. A pinless tool can be used to eliminate the keyhole. However, this approach is limited to joining thin sheet (≤1 mm). Using a rotating anvil with the FSSW process permits the joining of thicker cross sections, improves the mechanical strength of the spot weld and reduces the reaction forces on the spot welding frame. A numerical model of the process, tensile shear tests and macrosection analysis are used to evaluate the spot welds.Macrosection and numerical analysis reveals that the material flow between the pinless tool and rotating anvil is complex and unique to this process. It has been found that the use of a rotating anvil for FSSW is a viable means to create quality spot welds in thicker weldments.     

Experimental investigation on flexural behavior of friction stir welded high density polyethylene sheets

Flexural strength is one of the main criteria in evaluation of the mechanical properties of polymeric joints. The flexural strength of thermoplastics, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, is influenced by friction stir welding parameters. The determination of the welding parameters plays an important role in the weld strength. In the present study, the response surface method (RSM) was used as a statistical design of experiment technique to set the optimal welding parameters. The designed tool was consisted of a rotating pin, a stationary shoulder (shoe) and a heating system inside shoe. Rotational speed of the pin, tool traverse speed and shoe temperature were considered as varying parameters. Obtained results show a significant relationship between considered properties and processing parameters through an analysis of variance (ANOVA) study and the response surface method. It was found that welding at a high level of rotational speed and a lower level of tool travel speed increases weld flexural strength by reducing size of defects.     

Comparison of mechanical properties of pure copper welded using friction stir welding and tungsten inert gas welding

The objective of this research is to investigate the mechanical properties including bonding, tensile strength, and impact resistance of pure copper welded using friction stir welding (FSW) method and compare them with that of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Micro-hardness tests are performed on pure copper, TIG welded copper and FSW welded copper to determine the effect of heat on the hardness of welded coppers. Tensile strength tests and notch tensile strength tests are performed to determine the mechanical properties of different weld process.In this experiment, it is found that the notch tensile strength and the notch strength ratio for FSW (212 MPa, 1.10) are significantly higher than those (190 MPa, 1.02) of TIG welding. For the impact tests, the weld zone and heat-affected zone energy absorption values for FSW (2.87 J, 2.25 J) are higher than those (1.32 J, 0 J) of TIG welding. XRD tests are performed to determine components of copper before and after welding process for TIG and FSW.     

Friction stir welding: Process,automation, and control

This article provides an introduction to the basic principles of friction stir welding (FSW) as well as a survey of the latest research and applications in the field. The basic principles covered include terminology, material flow, joint configurations, tool design, materials, and defects. Material flow is discussed from both an experimental and a modeling perspective. Process variants are discussed as well, which include self-reacting (SR-FSW), stationary shoulder, friction stir processing (FSP), friction stir spot welding (FSSW), assisted FSW, and pulsed FSW. Multiple aspects of robotic friction stir welding are covered, including sensing, control, and joint tracking. Methods of evaluating weld quality are surveyed as well. The latest applications are discussed, with an emphasis on recent advances in aerospace, automotive, and ship building. Finally, the direction of future research and potential applications are examined.     

In-Process Joint Strength Estimation in Pulsed Laser Spot Welding Using Artificial Neural Networks

Pulsed laser spot welding is used in the manufacture of many goods. Because weak joints can lead to product defects, it is important to monitor and control the joint strength precisely. This paper introduces a method to estimate the joint strength of spot welds during the welding process. A point infrared sensor is used to measure temporal radiation on the top face of the spot weld. Because variable measuring conditions affect the radiation power, a scale-free radiation feature is extracted from the measured radiation and used as a monitoring criterion. An artificial neural network (ANN) uses this feature to estimate joint strength. In experiments, significant welding parameters are varied within a controllable range, and 640 weld parts are used for ANN learning. The correlation coefficient between the estimated and measured strength is more than 0.98 for learned parts. Another 180 weld parts are used to appraise the efficiency of the learned ANN, and the mean square error of estimation is 0.78 kgf.     

Numerical simulation of residual stresses for friction stir welds in copper canisters

In an attempt to map the residual stress distributions after friction stir welding of copper canisters, a three-dimensional thermo-mechanical model has been formulated by coupling heat transfer and elasto-plasticity analyses. The transient temperature field around the tool is simulated by a moving heat source. The simulation shows that the residual stress distribution in a thick-wall copper canister is sensitive to the circumferential angle and asymmetrical to the weld line. Both tensile and compressive stresses emerge along the weld line and its vicinity. The maximum tensile stress appears in the circumferential direction on the outer surface. The maximum tensile stress, whether it is predicted by the finite element method or measured by the hole-drilling technique and the X-ray diffraction method, does not exceed 50 MPa in general.     

Feasibility Study of 316L Stainless Steel for the Ultrasonic Consolidation Process

The viability of using 316L stainless steel in the ultrasonic consolidation process was examined in this work. Ultrasonic consolidation is an additive, free-form manufacturing process that employs ultrasonic welding and machining to form a part. The process ultrasonically joins layers of metal together by welding them one at a time. Once four layers of metal foil are welded together, welding is suspended and the system machines the part outline, and repeats this cycle until a component is completed. Experiments were conducted to determine the feasibility and processing parameters for ultrasonically welding stainless steel. Mechanical testing and optical microscopy were conducted. 316L stainless steel was successfully welded. Increasing welding amplitude and decreasing welding speed were the most effective way to increase weld peel strength. Unlike work in aluminum alloys, these experiments found no relationship between horn force and peel strength. Rough processing windows for ultrasonically welding 316L were identified.     

Shared control of robotic friction stir welding in the presence of imperfect joint fit-up

In this paper a shared control strategy is presented that allows a skilled operator to identify irregularities that occur during robotic friction stir welding (FSW) and assist the robotic system in producing an appropriate response. Human operators are adept at identifying disturbances; however, the complexity of the friction stir welding process makes it difficult for the operator to respond. While examining the capabilities of shared control in friction stir welding, this paper focuses on responding to defects that are caused by a lack of workpiece material during butt welding, such as gaps. A compensation strategy is presented that combines the human operator's perceptual strengths with an automated procedure for adjustment of the process parameters (i.e. travel angle and plunge depth). Experiments comparing four control strategies are performed while welding 5083-H116 aluminum. Through our experiments we demonstrate that if the FSW control task is appropriately shared between the human operator and the computer control system, the weld quality (strength) can be improved (from 9 ksi to 31 ksi for a gap size of 2.5 mm) as compared with the nominal case in which no corrections are made.     

铝锂合金焊缝大气腐蚀行为研究

目的研究铝锂合金搅拌摩擦焊焊缝在大气环境中的腐蚀行为。方法采用电化学极化法、质量增加法、扫描电子显微镜、三维体式显微镜几种不同的表征手段对铝锂合金搅拌摩擦焊焊缝在模拟海洋大气环境中的腐蚀行为进行研究。结果焊缝部位存在较为严重的应力腐蚀开裂现象,腐蚀电位比基体部位负移约0.05 V,腐蚀速率比一般基体部位明显增大。结论搅拌摩擦焊虽具有较多优点,在其他领域得到一定应用,但针对铝锂合金在海军飞机方向的应用存在缺陷,不能直接裸露使用。     

Experimental investigation on mechanical and metallurgical properties of super duplex stainless steel joints using friction welding process

Friction welding is one of the most economical and highly practicable methods in joining similar and dissimilar metals. In this study, high-quality welds are produced in the super duplex stainless steel by continuous drive friction welding successfully. Design of experiment was done using central composite design of response surface methodology. In the present work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction welded super duplex stainless steel (UNS S32760) were examined. The base material has a microstructure consisting of the ferrite matrix with austenite islands. Ferrite content was analyzed through the phase analyzer software and found that it is in the range of 42–55% in all weld metals. The phases were further analyzed through X-ray diffraction method. All the weld metals have higher hardness than the base metals. Weld transverse tensile failures consistently occurred away from the weld zone and exhibit more hardness, yield and ultimate tensile strengths than the base material. The austenite content increases with nitrogen concentration. Nitrogen could enhance the yield stress and ultimately tensile strength of super duplex stainless steel. Secondary phase precipitation is not observed in the welded joint probably due to the shorter heating times.     

Simultaneous measurement of tool torque,traverse force and axial force in friction stir welding

Simultaneous measurement of the tool torque, traverse force and axial force during friction stir welding process is of great significance to the understanding of the underlying process mechanism and the optimizing of the process parameters. Different from the traditional measurement methods using load cell or rotating component dynamometer, an indirect but economical methodology is used in this study for the simultaneous measurement of the traverse force, axial force and tool torque by monitoring the output torques of the servo motors and main spindle three-phase AC induction motor inside the FSW machine. The values of the traverse force, axial force and tool torque are determined under different welding conditions, and the influencing factors are examined. The measured results in friction stir welding of AA2024-T4 aluminum alloys at different combinations of tool rotation speed and welding speed lay foundation for process optimization.     

Microstructures and electrochemical behaviors of the friction stir welding dissimilar weld

By using optical microscope, the microstructures of 5083/6082 friction stir welding (FSW) weld and parent materials were analyzed. Meanwhile, at ambient temperature and in 0.2 mol/L NaHS0₃ and 0.6 mol/L NaCl solutionby gravimetric test, potentiodynamic polarization curve test, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, the electrochemical behavior of 5083/6082 friction stir welding weld and parent materials were comparatively investigated by gravimetric test, potentiodynamic polarization curve test, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. The results indicated that at given processing parameters, the anti-corrosion property of the dissimilar weld was superior to those of the 5083 and 6082 parent materials.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy C-276 weldments fabricated by continuous and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding techniques

Effects of switching over from gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) to pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding (PCGTAW) on the quality of joints produced in Hastelloy C-276 material were investigated. Welding was carried out both by autogenous mode and using ERNiCrMo-3 filler wire. Microstructures of weld joints produced with and without current pulsing were studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Microsegregation occurring in GTAW and PCGTAW joints was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Strength and ductility of weld joints produced with and without pulsing were evaluated. The results show that pulsing results in refined microstructure, reduced microsegregation and improved strength of weld joints. Secondary phase(s) noticed in GTA weldments were found to be absent in PCGTA weldments. Autogenous PCGTA weldments were found to be the best in terms of: (i) freedom from microsegregation, (ii) strength and (iii) freedom from unwanted secondary phases.     

Vibrational energy loss analysis in battery tab ultrasonic welding

In ultrasonic metal welding processes, high-frequency ultrasonic energy is used to generate friction and heat at the interface between weld parts to produce solid-state bonds. It has been observed that sufficient energy is required to produce proper bonding, while excessive energy can cause such quality issues as weld fracture and perforation. Therefore, it is important to have a product/process design in ultrasonic welding to ensure efficient energy conversion from ultrasonics to welding energy, minimizing energy loss in the process. In this work, vibrational energy loss associated with the longitudinal and flexural vibrations of the Cu coupon during ultrasonic welding is studied by applying one-dimensional continuous vibration models. To facilitate our modeling, experimental results from the free response of Cu coupon were obtained to determine the damping characteristics of the Cu coupon in the welding process. Our analysis shows that substantial energy loss can occur during welding due to the flexural vibration of the Cu coupon, especially when the overhang (the upper part of the Cu coupon extended from the anvil) of the Cu coupon resonates at or close to the welding frequency (about 20 kHz), degrading the weld quality of battery tabs. This study contributes to understanding the fundamental dynamics of the Cu coupon during ultrasonic welding and its impact on weld quality.     

Strength assessment using destructive testing on MIAB welded alloy steel tubes and subsequent techno-economical evaluation

In this study, an attempt is being made to determine the feasibility of Magnetically Impelled Arc Butt (MIAB) welding process for joining alloy steel tubes in pressure parts. In view of this, a specially made state of art MIAB welding unit (MD1) available at WRI, BHEL, Tiruchirappalli has been employed and adequate number of welding trials is conducted to weld alloy steel tubes of 6–7 mm thickness for boiler applications. The combination of a set of values provided as input is varied for each trial. The welding current and the welding time are divided into three and four stages respectively. For each trial, either the current in stage II is varied or the time for stage III is varied while maintaining the other input parameters constant. These trials are carried out mainly to develop an optimum window (working range) for the process parameters. Further, the strength of MIAB welded specimens are examined by subjecting the welded specimens to various destructive tests. It is observed that the weld region is stronger than the base metal in most of the cases.In the next part of the study, the characteristics of MIAB welded joints for T11 steel tubes are compared with those using flash butt welding and induction pressure welding that is presently employed for alloy steel tube joining in pressure parts. It is found that the manufacturing time and incurred cost per weld drastically reduces while simultaneously increasing the productivity. Hence, the feasibility of MIAB welding process for pressure part is established.     

7A52铝合金及25CrMnSiA钢焊接件海洋大气应力腐蚀试验研究

目的研究7A52铝对接焊拉伸试样、25CrMnSiA钢对接焊拉伸试样的海洋大气应力腐蚀行为。方法利用自行设计制作的恒载荷大气应力腐蚀试验装置,在海南万宁站海洋大气环境中,分别采用7A52铝对接焊拉伸试样、25CrMnSiA钢对接焊拉伸试样进行海洋大气应力腐蚀试验研究。对试验中断裂的试样和未断裂的试样,进行表面腐蚀形貌、断口形貌、显微组织、显微硬度分布等分析。结果 7A52铝焊接件断裂在焊接部位,Cl-富集于SCC部分的含钙或含硫的第二相质点,促进了7A52铝焊接件应力腐蚀开裂。海洋大气应力腐蚀试验的25CrMnSiA钢焊接件断裂在母材部位,而实验室拉伸试验断裂在焊接部位。结论两种焊接件在海南海洋大气环境下均存在应力腐蚀开裂,裂纹萌生、扩展于朝向海洋方向的试样表面,存在"风脆"现象。     

基于DIC技术获取焊接接头单轴拉伸力学性能

目的 获取异种金属焊接接头局部拉伸力学性能.方法 针对压水堆核电机组蒸汽发生器接管与安全端异种金属焊接接头(Dissimilar metal weld joint,DMWJ,其接管材料为20MND 5低合金钢,安全端为Z2 CND 18.12控氮奥氏体不锈钢,焊缝材料为INCONEL 52镍基合金),采用等直圆棒拉伸试...     

Experimental analysis of friction stir forming for dissimilar material joining application

Mass reduction of automotive body structures is a critical part of achieving reduced CO₂ emissions in the automotive industry. There has been significant work on the application of ultra high strength steels and aluminum alloys. However, the next paradigm is the integrated use of both materials, which poses a challenge of how to join the dissimilar materials. Friction stir forming is a new manufacturing process for joining dissimilar materials. The concept of this process is stir heating one material and forming it into a mechanical interlocking joint with the second material. In this research the process was experimentally analyzed in a position controlled robotic friction stir welding machine between aluminum and steel workpieces. New tool geometries were evaluated toward the goal of optimizing joint strength. The significant process parameters were identified and their optimized settings for the current experimental conditions defined using a design of experiments methodology. A scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the bonding and joint structure for single and multi-pin configurations. Two failure modes, aluminum sheet peeling and bonding delamination, i.e. braze fracture, were identified. It was found that the presence of zinc coating on the steel and overall joint geometry greatly affected the joint strength. The aluminum–zinc braze joint appears to be the largest contributor to joint strength for the single-pin joint configuration. The multi-pin geometry enabled a distribution of load to the four pins following fracture of the braze for increased joint toughness and ductility. Thus, the FSF method has been shown to exhibit potential for joining of aluminum to steel.     

基于平面压入技术研究焊接接头单轴应力-应变关系

目的 获取异种金属焊接接头母材和热影响区局部拉伸应力-应变关系。方法 对压水堆机组蒸汽发生器接管安全端异种金属焊接接头(20MND 5-INCONEL 52-Z2 CND 18.12控氮)进行研究,通过金相检验和显微硬度测试,研究DMWJ母材、热影响区、焊缝熔合线位置的金相组织和维氏硬度分布。采用等直圆棒拉伸试验获得DMWJ低合金钢(20MND 5)母材的应力-应变关系,采用基于能量等效理论的平面压入技术获得DMWJ低合金钢母材、热影响区和焊缝局部材料应力-应变关系。结果 DMWJ材料组织、力学性能不均匀,等直圆棒拉伸试验得到的低合金钢母材拉伸应力-应变关系与平面压入技术测得结果较为吻合。结论 基于能量等效理论的平面压入技术可精确测得DMWJ低合金钢母材、热影响区和焊缝局部材料应力-应变关系,对压水堆核电站DMWJ在役检测及结构完整性评价具有重要意义。     

Metallurgical and mechanical characterization of electron beam welded super-duplex stainless steel UNS 32750

This paper addresses the weldability of 6 mm thick plates of super-duplex stainless steel by electron beam welding (EBW) process. Microstructure investigations conducted using optical and SE microscopy showed the presence of large ferrite grains with intra- and inter-granular austenite. Ferrite content studies on the weld zone estimated that there is no significant element partitioning between austenite and ferrite phases. Hardness studies portrayed that the weld hardness is found to be greater than the parent metal which is acquainted due to the solid solution strengthening effect. Tensile results corroborated that the joints obtained by EB welding process have better strength than the base metal. A detailed structure–property relationships has also been carried out through point and line mapping EDAX analysis across the weldment to substantiate the discussions.