A process model for friction stir welding of age hardening aluminum alloys

In the present investigation, a numerical three-dimensional (3-D) heat flow model for friction stir welding (FSW) has been developed, based on the method of finite differences. The algorithm, which is implemented in MATLAB 5.2, is provided with a separate module for calculation of the microstructure...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Metallurgical and materials transactions. A, Physical metallurgy and materials science Physical metallurgy and materials science, 2001-05, Vol.32 (5), p.1189-1200
Main Authors: Frigaard, O, Grong, O, Midling, O T
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age hardening
Aging (artificial)
Aging (natural)
Algorithms
Aluminum base alloys
Electron backscatter diffraction
Friction stir welding
Grain structure
Hardness
Heat transmission
Thermocouples
Three dimensional flow
Three dimensional models
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Summary:In the present investigation, a numerical three-dimensional (3-D) heat flow model for friction stir welding (FSW) has been developed, based on the method of finite differences. The algorithm, which is implemented in MATLAB 5.2, is provided with a separate module for calculation of the microstructure evolution and the resulting hardness distribution. The process model is validated by comparison with in-situ thermocouple measurements and experimental hardness profiles measured at specific time intervals after welding to unravel the strength recovery during natural aging. Furthermore, the grain structure within the plastically deformed region of the as-welded materials has been characterized by means of the electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Some practical applications of the process model are described toward the end of the article.
ISSN:1073-5623
1543-1940
DOI:10.1007/s11661-001-0128-4