Influence of processing parameters on the tool and workpiece mechanical interaction during Friction Stir Welding

Abstract

During Friction Stir Welding process, FSW, a tool / workpiece mechanical interaction is generated leading to forces and torques applied on the tool. These forces and torques are transmitted to the welding equipment impacting its technical requirements. This paper presents a forces and torques analysis according to the processing parameters on the welding at constant speed stage. The analysis was performed on the whole welding process windows, by varying one process parameter after the other. The goal of this work is to determine if and how the forces and torque could be reduced by working on the processing parameters. So, with lower forces and torque applied on the tool, the use of a standard and flexible welding equipment, allowing the welding of complex geometries, could be enabled.