Yuri Hovanski

Bio: Yuri Hovanski is an academic researcher from Brigham Young University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Welding & Friction stir welding. The author has an hindex of 16, co-authored 76 publications receiving 1089 citations. Previous affiliations of Yuri Hovanski include Pacific Northwest National Laboratory & Battelle Memorial Institute.

Heterogeneity of crystallographic texture in friction stir welds of aluminum

Abstract: Over the past decade, friction stir welding (FSW) has rapidly become an important industrial joining process, particularly in the aluminum industry Included among the advantages of FSW are such important attributes as improved weld strength and the elimination of cracking and porosity During the friction stir process, the metal undergoes a tortuous deformation path that is not yet fully understood The crystallographic texture that evolves during FSW contains sharp spatial gradients that undoubtedly influence the integrity of the weld and surrounding region in subsequent performance The locally measured textures are discussed in the context of the material flow required to produce such textures, ultimately resulting in an estimate of the flow field present during FSW

Friction Stir Lap Welding of Magnesium Alloy to Steel: A Preliminary Investigation

Abstract: An initial study was made to evaluate the feasibility of joining magnesium alloy AZ31 sheet to galvanized steel sheet in a lap configuration using friction stir welding (FSW). Two different automotive sheet steels were used for comparative evaluation of the dissimilar joining potential: a 0.8 mm thick, electrogalvanized (EG) mild steel, and a 1.5 mm thick hot-dipped galvanized (HDG) high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel. These steels were joined to 2.33 mm thick AZ31B magnesium sheet. A single FSW tool design was used for both dissimilar welds, and the process parameters were kept the same. The average peak load for the AZ31-1.5 mm steel weld joint in lap shear mode was found to be 6.3 ± 1.0 kN. For the AZ31-0.8 mm steel weld, joint strength was 5.1 ± 1.5 kN. Microstructural investigation indicates melting of the Zn coating present on the steel sheets, and subsequent alloying with the Mg sheet resulted in the formation of a solidified Zn-Mg alloy layer.

Friction Stir Welding and Processing

Abstract: 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.

Friction stir welding of aluminium alloys

Abstract: 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

Review: friction stir welding tools

Abstract: Friction stir welding (FSW) is a widely used solid state joining process for soft materials such as aluminium alloys because it avoids many of the common problems of fusion welding. Commercial feasibility of the FSW process for harder alloys such as steels and titanium alloys awaits the development of cost effective and durable tools which lead to structurally sound welds consistently. Material selection and design profoundly affect the performance of tools, weld quality and cost. Here we review and critically examine several important aspects of FSW tools such as tool material selection, geometry and load bearing ability, mechanisms of tool degradation and process economics.