| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Friction Stir Welding and Processing XIII
|
| Presentation Title |
Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding in AA6061-T4 Automotive Sheets |
| Author(s) |
Taylor Smith, Damon Gale, Jeremy Coyne, Kate Namola, Yuri Hovanski |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Taylor Smith |
| Abstract Scope |
As the automotive industry transitions to aluminum body panels, new and innovative joining technologies are under development to combat the challenges traditional fusion welding techniques face in aluminum. Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) is a novel solid-state joining process that is well-suited for automotive joints in AA6061-T4. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of five RFSSW joints, ranging in total thickness from 2.2 mm to 5.5 mm. These material thickness combinations are sourced directly from Toyota’s current manufacturing processes. The microstructure and mechanical performance of the welds are evaluated. The microstructure is analyzed via optical microscopy, CT scanning, and microhardness testing. The mechanical properties are quantified through quasi-static tensile and fatigue testing. Surface topography is also reported. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Joining, Mechanical Properties |