Friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new solid-state joining process. This joining technique is energy efficient, environment friendly, and versatile. In particular, it can be used to join high-strength aerospace aluminum alloys and other metallic alloys that are hard to weld by conventional fusion welding. FSW is considered to be the most significant development in metal joining in a decade. Recently, friction stir processing (FSP) was developed for microstructural modification of metallic materials. In this review article, the current state of understanding and development of the FSW and FSP are addressed. Particular emphasis has been given to: (a) mechanisms responsible for the formation of welds and microstructural refinement, and (b) effects of FSW/FSP parameters on resultant microstructure and final mechanical properties. While the bulk of the information is related to aluminum alloys, important results are now available for other metals and alloys. At this stage, the technology diffusion has significantly outpaced the fundamental understanding of microstructural evolution and microstructure–property relationships.

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Friction Stir Welding and Processing

Recent advances in friction-stir welding : Process, weldment structure and properties

A review of dynamic recrystallization phenomena in metallic materials

http://nanomechanics.mit.edu/sites/default/files/documents/2007_Acta_nc_Overview.143.pdf

Toward a quantitative understanding of mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline metals

The comprehensive body of knowledge that has built up with respect to the friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium alloys since the technique was invented in 1991 is reviewed The basic principles of FSW are described, including thermal history and metal flow, before discussing how process parameters affect the weld microstructure and the likelihood of entraining defects After introducing the characteristic macroscopic features, the microstructural development and related distribution of hardness are reviewed in some detail for the two classes of wrought aluminium alloy (non-heat-treatable and heat-treatable) Finally, the range of mechanical properties that can be achieved is discussed, including consideration of residual stress, fracture, fatigue and corrosion It is demonstrated that FSW of aluminium is becoming an increasingly mature technology with numerous commercial applications In spite of this, much remains to be learned about the process and opportunities for further research a

Friction stir welding of aluminium alloys

Microstructural investigation of friction stir welded 7050-T651 aluminium

Recrystallization mechanisms during friction stir welding/processing of aluminum alloys

Microstructural characteristics of friction stir processed (FSP) 7075 Al samples in different regions behind the pin tool were investigated. Furthermore, the microstructure evolutions during friction stir welding (FSW)/FSP has been revealed. Multi-mechanisms, including dDRX, grain growth, dislocation introduction, dynamic recovery (DRV) and cDRX, were found to be inherent in the process at different stages. Because inhomogeneous plastic deformation was introduced by the process, individual grains in the final microstructure have undergone different evolution mechanisms. These are either from growth of initially recrystallized grains or are the result of cDRX of subgrains formed during DRV. Grains within the processed region exhibit different densities of dislocations and are in various degrees of recovery.

Microstructure evolution during FSW/FSP of high strength aluminum alloys

Friction stir processing of large-area bulk UFG aluminum alloys

Combining friction stir processing (FSP) with rapid cooling, samples with grain sizes of ∼100, 180, 300 and 500 nm have been produced in commercial 7075 Al by controlling the cooling rate. Microstructure characteristics of the processed materials were investigated. The nanocrystalline structures formed in the sample processed with the highest cooling rate consist of high-angle grain boundaries, and are free of dislocation cell structures. High temperature discontinuous dynamic recrystallization is the mechanism responsible for the nanocrystalline creation. Dislocations and recovery structures were observed in the large grains of samples with slower cooling rates. The developed grains are a result of the evolution of the initial nanocrystals formed around pin tool during the FSP.

Jianqing Su

Papers

Microstructural investigation of friction stir welded 7050-T651 aluminium

Recrystallization mechanisms during friction stir welding/processing of aluminum alloys

Microstructure evolution during FSW/FSP of high strength aluminum alloys

Friction stir processing of large-area bulk UFG aluminum alloys

Grain refinement of aluminum alloys by friction stir processing