| Abstract Scope |
In the present work, procedures for friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminum alloys were collected from published and unpublished works, permitting analysis within a diverse collection of alloys, material thickness, tool designs and machine parameters. Spindle torque is a key variable in friction stir welding (FSW) since it is directly related to heat generation. The compiled data set permitted analysis of spindle torque from a wide variety of welding conditions. The data was analyzed with the assumption of a Tresca friction model to calculate the contact shear flow stress during steady-state welding. The results give insight into the effects of tool surface velocity, welding speed and initial temper on the average flow stress, with implications for machine control. |