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Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is one of the most used solid-state welding processes in the aeronautical, aerospace, ground transportation and naval fields. Stationary Shoulder Friction Stir Welding (SSFSW) is a recently introduced variant of the process allowing lower heat input into the joints, with beneficial effects in terms of joint mechanical properties, microstructure and top surface finish. In the paper, lap joints produced by SSFSW and made out of AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy sheets have been analyzed with the aim to investigate the effect of the stationary shoulder on the lap joints surface, metallurgical, and mechanical properties. The lap joints produced by SSFSW have been compared to the ones produced by “conventional” FSW in order to highlight the differences between the two processes. The top surface of the joints obtained with the two processes has been quantitatively evaluated. Finally, a dedicated numerical model has been utilized to highlight the causes of the observed differences through the distributions of the main field variables, namely temperature, strain and strain rate. It was found that SSFSW results in narrower weld nugget and smaller areas involved by micro hardness reduction caused by smaller peak temperature and high temperature zone. Additionally, better surface quality was found for the joint welded by SSFSW with lower heights and flash, allowing to avoid subsequent finishing operations needed for most industrial applications.

International audience; For multi-material applications in automotive industry, a cast aluminium (upper layer) and dual-phase steel (lower layer) superposition joined with High-Speed Nailing process is investigated through an experimental vs numerical framework. Using FORGE® finite-element software, results from joining simulations have been inserted into models in charge of nailed-joint mechanical testings. Numerical Shear and Cross-tensile tests are compared to experimental ones to discuss discrepancy and possible improvements.

A widespread usage of aluminum alloys for the fabrication of car-body parts is conditional on the employment of appropriate welding methods, especially if dissimilar welding must be performed with automotive steel grades. Dissimilar welding of aluminum alloys and steel grades poses some issues concerning the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds, difference in physical and chemical properties of the parent metals, and poor wetting behavior of aluminum. Friction stir welding is considered to be a reasonable solution to obtain sound aluminum/steel joints. A study on the join quality of dissimilar lap joints of steel and aluminum alloy sheets after friction stir welding is proposed here. A low carbon steel is joined with AA6016 aluminum alloy to study preliminarily the feasibility to assembly car-body parts. The joints, welded with tool rotation and feed rate varying in a wide range, have been studied from a visual examination and microstructural point of view. Optical microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure of the examined sheets in as-received and welded conditions. Micro-hardness measurements have been carried out to quantitatively analyze the local hardness of the welded joints. Set welding process parameters are identified to assemble without the presence of macroscopic defects the examined steel and aluminum welded parts.

Magnesium alloys, because of their good specific material strength, can be considered attractive by different industry fields, as the aerospace and the automotive one. However, their use is limited by the poor formability at room temperature. In this research, a numerical approach is proposed in order to determine an analytical expression of material formability in hot incremental forming processes. The numerical model was developed using the commercial software ABAQUS/Explicit. The Johnson-Cook material model was used, and the model was validated through experimental measurements carried out using the ARAMIS system. Different geometries were considered with temperature varying in a range of 25–400 °C and wall angle in a range of 35–60°. An analytical expression of the fracture forming limit, as a function of temperature, was established and finally tested with a different geometry in order to assess the validity.

Ultrafine grained (UFG) materials are of great potential in industry due to their enhanced mechanical strength and other promising features, such as ability to superplastic deformation or excellent corrosion resistance. Nevertheless, one of the main limitations lies in their low thermal stability, which leads to excessive grain growth at elevated temperature. It influences mainly further processes performed at high temperature, such as joining. It causes detrimental problems during conventional fusion welding, as significant grain growth is observed and therefore the advantages as a result of small average grain size disappear. Therefore, the idea of applying solid state joining process seems to be suitable for UFG materials. Among the group of solid state welding processes there are methods based on friction. One of these methods, which is suitable for samples in the form of rectangular bars, is linear friction welding (LFW). Present study is the first comprehensive work describing the results of UFG aluminium welded using LFW method with additional emphasis put on a position of shear planes of welded samples. The results have shown, that UFG regime has not been preserved in a weld zone. Welding of UFG sample with an average grain size of 1 μm resulted in a grain growth in weld zone to 1.6−2 μm. Chosen parameters allowed to weld samples only locally, nevertheless, results from tensile tests performed on mini samples showed a great potential of the LFW method for joining UFG samples. The tensile strength of welds was in the range of 83–90 % of initial material.

Multi Stage approach is used in Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) to overcome one of the main forming limitations, namely the maximum wall angle, characterizing the single stage process. In this paper, different multi-path strategies for the production of parts with flat edges are considered in order to evaluate the best solution in terms of feasibility and geometrical accuracy of the final part: A) mono-directional incremental draw angle; B) mono-directional incremental draw angle with increasing part side; C) Multi-directional approach with non-horizontal path planes. Strain evaluation by means of CGA (Circular Grid Analysis) and defect analysis have been carried out in order to identify the main limitations of each approach. A defect-free part has been obtained with Strategy C. The developed numerical analysis, showing good agreement with experimental thickness distribution, highlighted the peculiar material redistribution from the thicker zones to the thinner ones occurring using Strategy C.

In the last decades, new flexible manufacturing processes have been developed to face the demands, by many industrial fields, for highly customized complex functional parts. The peculiar design of these components often overcomes conventional sheet metal and bulk metal forming processes capabilities. In order to face this issue, new hybrid techniques, capable of exploit key advantages of different processes, have to be developed. In this study, a method to obtain sheet-bulk joints, based on the Linear Friction Welding process, is proposed. The feasibility of the technique was investigated through an experimental campaign carried out with varying pressure and oscillation frequency using AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy. The main mechanical and metallurgical properties of the produced joints, including typical material flow defects, were highlighted. It was found that sound hybrid sheet-bulk joints can be produced by the proposed approach. Finally, it was highlighted how the height of the weld center zone plays a key role on the mechanical properties of the produced joints.

Explosion welding (EXW) is a solid-state joining process used to produce lap joints out of metal plates of dissimilar materials. During the process, a controlled explosive detonation results in a pressure wave pushing one of the plates to be welded, called flyer, against the other with high velocity. The high pressure and temperature generated, because of the impact energy decaying into heat, create the conditions for solid bonding phenomenon to take place. Due to the complexity of experimental tests, numerical simulation is considered a fundamental design tool for the process. Different approaches are found in literature to simulate the process. In this paper, a dual step Lagrangian–Eulerian approach is proposed to evaluate the effect of different explosives on the final quality of the weld. The numerical model was developed using the commercial software ABAQUS. A three dissimilar materials joint is considered, made of two outer plates of AA5083 aluminum alloy and A516 steel, respectively, and an intermediate layer made of AA1050 aluminum alloy. The model was first validated by comparing the wavy profile of the intermediate layer after the weld, and then used to evaluate the effect of different explosive by analyzing the distribution of the main process parameters as well as the presence of voids.

During the last few years, additive manufacturing has been more and more extensively used in several industries, especially in the aerospace and medical device fields, to produce Ti6Al4V titanium alloy parts. During the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) process, the heterogeneity of finished product is strictly connected to the scan strategies and the building direction. An optimal managing of the latter parameters allows to better control and defines the final mechanical and metallurgical properties of parts. Acting on the building direction it is also possible to optimize the critical support structure. In particular, more support structures are needed for the sample at 0°, while very low support are required for the sample at 90°. To study the effects of build direction on microstructure heterogeneity evolution and mechanical performances of selective laser melted Ti6Al4V parts, two build direction samples (0°, 90°) were manufactured and analyzed using optical metallographic microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Isometric microstructure reconstruction and microhardness tests were carried out in order to analyze the specimens. The obtained results indicate that the build direction has to be considered a key geometrical parameter affecting the overall quality of the obtained products.

This paper describes magnetic field-assisted single-point incremental forming (M-SPIF) with a Nd-Fe-B magnet ball tool. In M-SPIF, the tool driven by magnetic force plastically deforms a sheet. The polarity of the magnet tool helps to make the magnetic force (i.e., forming force) more controllable. In creating a truncated cone, the direction of the magnetic force gradually points more outward as the process progresses, and material is forced outwards from the cone center, increasing thinning in M-SPIF, while the cone center remains undeformed in traditional SPIF. Moreover, M-SPIF creates less localized plastic strain than traditional SPIF while forming the desired geometry.

Widespread use of aluminum alloys for the fabrication of car body parts is conditional to the use of appropriate welding methods, especially if dissimilar welding must be performed with automotive steel grades. Friction stir welding (FSW) is considered to be a reasonable solution to obtain sound aluminum-steel joints. In this context, this work studies the effects of tool position and force control in dissimilar friction stir welding of AA6061 aluminum alloy on DC05 low carbon steel in lap joint configuration, also assessing proper welding parameter settings. Naked eye and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to detect macroscopic and microscopic defects in joints, as well as to determine the type of intermixture between aluminum and steel. The joint strength of sound joints has been assessed by shear tension test. Results point out that tool force control allows for obtaining joints with better quality and strength in a wider range of process parameters. A process window has been determined for tool force conditions to have joints with adequate strength for automotive purposes.

Conventional metal chips recycling processes are energy-intensive with low efficiency and permanent material losses during re-melting. Solid state recycling allows direct recycling of metal scraps into semi-finished products. It is expected that this process category would lower the environmental performance of metals recycling. Friction Stir Consolidation is a new solid-state technique taking advantage of friction heat generation and severe plastic deformation to consolidate chips into billets. In this research, the feasibility of Friction Stir Consolidation as aluminum chips recycling process is analyzed. Specifically, an experimental campaign has been carried out with varying main process parameters. Three main aspects have been evaluated in order to highlight products quality and environmental impact of the process: (i) metallurgical and mechanical properties of the consolidated products; (ii) primary energy demand, as compared to conventional processes; (iii) forgeability of the consolidated products, as compared to parent material. Results revealed that a proper process parameters selection results in fully consolidated aluminum disk with satisfactory mechanical properties. Also, the new recycling strategy allows substantial energy savings with respect the conventional (remelting based) route.

In recent decades, the focus of research has shifted towards new production technologies with the aim of optimizing production and reducing costs. These innovative technologies include additive manufacturing processes as Selective Laser Melting (SLM). The analysis of the literature on the identification of optimal building orientation to maximize the mechanical properties and minimize porosity of the final products highlights contrasting results, denoting that the thermomechanical complexity of the process, as associated with the variation of the building orientation, has not been fully clarified. A study in which the building orientation effect was evaluated together with the geometry of the sample and characterized as a function of the preferentially active heat exchange phenomena was carried out with the aim to provide guidelines for the choice of the orientation angle. Heat accumulation phenomena observed in SLM were taken into account to define three geometrical parameters able to identify the causes of the decrease of mechanical properties due to incorrect choice of the orientation angle.

Friction Stir Extrusion is an innovative direct-recycling technology developed for metal machining chips. During the process, a rotating die is plunged into a cylindrical chamber containing the material to be recycled. The stirring action of the die prompts solid bonding phenomena allowing the back extrusion of a full dense rod. One of the main weakness of this technology is the discontinuity of the process itself that limits the extrudates volume to the capacity of the chamber. In order to overcome that limitation, a dedicated extrusion fixture has to be developed, keeping into account the concurrent needs of a continuous machine. The geometry of the die has to ensure proper pressure in the extrusion channel to prompt the extrusion while allowing the continuous loading of fresh charge. Furthermore, the chips entering the chamber have to find proper conditions for the solid bonding to happen. In this study, the design challenges of a continuous Friction Stir Extrusion machine are described and analyzed, giving an insight on the possible solutions using both experimental, numerical analysis, and keeping into account the sensor equipment necessary to monitor the process.

Friction Stir Processing (FSP) has been demonstrated feasible to create local Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) in light alloys matrix. In this research, local MMCs were produced contextually to the weld using Friction Stir Welding (FSW). SiC particles were added to AA7075 lap joints by creating a proper groove on the top surface of the bottom sheet. Different welds were produced with increasing number of tool passes. The effect of the multiple passes was investigated through shear tests, macro and micro observations, average grain size and microhardness measurements. The welded joints were compared to a reference weld produced with no reinforcements. It was found that poor mixing between matrix and reinforcement phase is obtained with one tool pass. On the contrary, proper mixing is obtained with three tool passes, resulting in an increase in the maximum load in shear tests of 50% with respect to the reference conditions.

Linear friction welding (LFW) is a solid-state joining process used to weld non-axisymmetric components. Material joining is obtained through the reciprocating motion of two specimens undergoing an axial force. During this process, the heat source is determined by the frictional work transformed into heat. This results in a local softening of the material and plays a key role in the onset of the bonding conditions. In this paper, a critical analysis of the different approaches used to simulate the LFW processes is provided. The focus of the paper is the comparison of different modeling strategies and the most relevant outputs available, i.e. temperature, strain and stress distribution, material flow, axial shortening and residual stress. Major issues arising due to the complexity of the process are discussed, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

A numerical approach to model the selective laser sintering (SLS) of polypropylene is proposed. A 3D thermal model was developed and thus enables the prediction of the temperature fields and the extension of the sintered area in the powder bed taking into account the phase change during multiple laser passes. Powder–liquid, liquid–solid and solid–liquid phase changes were modelled during the SLS and the subsequent cooling processes. Then, a 3D thermomechanically coupled model was set up based on the temperature results of the thermal model in order to predict the distortion of the produced parts after cooling down. Different pre-heating temperatures were considered, highlighting their influence on the final part properties.

Manufacturing processes, as used for discrete part manufacturing, are responsible for a substantial part of the environmental impact of products. Despite that, most of metalworking processes are still poorly documented in terms of environmental footprint. To be more specific, the scientific research has well covered conventional machining processes, concerning the other processes there is a lack of knowledge in terms of environmental load characterization instead. The present paper aims to contribute to fill this knowledge gap and an energetic analysis of Friction Stir welding (FSW) is presented. Following the CO2PE! methodological approach, power studies and a preliminary time study have been performed in order to comply with the In-Depth approach. The influence of the most relevant process parameters is analyzed regarding the required FSW energy. Finally, a few potential improvement strategies to reduce FSW energy consumption are reported.

Tailored blanks characterized by variable thickness were friction stir welded (FSWed) with the aim to obtain constant joint properties along the weld seam, regardless of the thickness change. To pursue this goal, the heat input was kept constant by in-process control of tool rotation. A dedicated numerical model of the process was used to determine the tool rotation values as a function of the sheet thickness. The mechanical properties and the microstructure of the FSWed joints, produced with varying process parameters, were studied. It was found that the proposed approach can produce joints with uniform properties along the weld line in terms of stress–strain curve shape, joint strength, elongation at failure, and microstructure.

In the last decades, several direct-recycling techniques have been developed and investigated in order to avoid material remelting, typical of the conventional aluminum alloys recycling processes. Moreover, the remelting step for aluminum recycling is affected by permanent material losses. Solid-state recycling processes have proven to be a suitable strategy to face such issues. Friction Consolidation is an innovative solid state-recycling technology developed for metal chips. During the process, a rotating die is plunged into a hollow chamber containing the material to be processed. The work of friction forces decaying into heat soften the material and, together with the stirring action of the die, enable solid bonding phenomena producing a consolidated metal disc. This technology has been successively applied to metal chips; in this paper, the feasibility of the process to recycle sheet metal scrap is investigated. The quality of the obtained billets is evaluated through morphological observation and hardness measurements.

This paper presents the results of an experimental and numerical campaign on Linear Friction Welding of dissimilar AA2011-T8 and AA6082-T6 aluminum alloys. Experimental tests were carried out with constant oscillation amplitude and process time. Varying oscillation frequency, interface pressure, specimen geometry and mutual position were used. Grain size measurements, HV tests and EDX analysis were considered to characterize the microstructure of the joints as a function of the input process parameters. A thermal numerical model was utilized to predict the temperature profiles in the joints during the process. The obtained results allowed the identification of four weld categories: sound joints, “bonding limit” condition and two different unwelded joints. The investigation of the causes of the different joint behavior permitted to obtain a few design guidelines on the LFW of dissimilar alloys with different geometry.

International audience; This research work is about modeling the mechanical behavior of metallic sheets of AA6016 up to rupture using non-associated flow rule. Experiments were performed at room temperature in uniaxial tension and simple shear in different directions according to the rolling direction and an additional hydraulic bulge test. The anisotropy of the material is described by a Yld2000-2d yield surface [1], calibrated by stress ratios, and a plastic potential represented by Hill1948 [2], calibrated using Lankford coefficients. That way, the former is able to reproduce the yield stresses in different directions and the latter is able to reproduce the deformations in different directions as well [3], [4]. Indeed, the non-associated flow rule allows for the direction of the plastic flow not to be necessarily normal to the yield surface. Concerning the rupture, the macroscopic ductile fracture criterion DF2014 was used [5]. It indirectly uses the three invariants of the stress tensor by using the three following parameters the stress triaxiality eta, the Lode parameter L and the equivalent plastic strain to fracture In order to be consistent with the plastic model and to add more flexibility to the criterion, the equivalent stress (sigma) over bar and the equivalent strain to fracture et have been substituted respectively as Yld2000-2d and Hill1948 in the DF2014 fracture criterion. The parameters for the fracture criterion were obtained by optimization and the fracture locus can be plotted in the (eta, L, )over bar>(p)) space. The damage indicator D is then numerically predicted with respect of average strain values. A good correlation with the experimental results is obtained.

Two different in-process control strategies were developed and compared with the aim to produce AZ31 magnesium alloy joints by friction stir welding on sheet blanks with a non-uniform thickness. To this purpose, sheets with dip or hump zones were welded by either changing the rotational speed or the tool plunging in order to keep constant the value of the vertical force occurring during the welding stage of the process. The influence of the main process parameters on the tool force, the micro- and macromechanical properties, and the joints microstructures in the dip and hump zones were analyzed. The results showed that using the rotational speed change-based approach, the hump zones are subjected to increased heat input with consequent increase of the heat-affected zone extension and average grain size (up to 11 μm). On the contrary, using the tool plunge change-based approach, the weld seam thickness in the dip zones is reduced, resulting in a decreased joint strength, with respect to tool rotation approach, equal to about 18%.

© 2018 Author(s). The compression behavior of a material cannot be accurately determined if the machine compliance is not accounted prior to the measurements. This work discusses the machine compliance during a compressibility test with fiberglass fabrics. The thickness variation was measured during loading and unloading cycles with a relaxation stage of 30 minutes between them. The measurements were performed using an indirect technique based on the comparison between the displacement at a free compression cycle and the displacement with a sample. Relating to the free test, it has been noticed the nonexistence of machine relaxation during relaxation stage. Considering relaxation or not, the characteristic curves for a free compression cycle can be overlapped precisely in the majority of the points. For the compression test with sample, it was noticed a non-physical decrease of about 30 μm during the relaxation stage, what can be explained by the greater fabric relaxation in relation to the machine relaxation. Beyond the technique normally used, another technique was used which allows a constant thickness during relaxation. Within this second method, machine displacement with sample is simply subtracted to the machine displacement without sample being imposed as constant. If imposed as a constant it will remain constant during relaxation stage and it will suddenly decrease after relaxation. If constantly calculated it will decrease gradually during relaxation stage. Independently of the technique used the final result will remain unchanged. The uncertainty introduced by this imprecision is about ±15 μm. ispartof: PROCEEDINGS OF 21ST INTERNATIONAL ESAFORM CONFERENCE ON MATERIAL FORMING (ESAFORM 2018) vol:1960 ispartof: 21st International ESAFORM Conference on Material Forming (ESAFORM) location:ITALY, Univ Palermo, Palermo date:23 Apr - 25 Apr 2018 status: published

© 2018 Author(s). This paper investigates the formability characteristics of polypropylene composites reinforced by randomly oriented discontinuous carbon fibres and/or woven polypropylene tapes, which are also known as self-reinforced composites. Hybridised configurations when both reinforcements are used were also studied. Material behaviour during forming is studied by thermostamping domes of different depths ranging from nearly flat to fully hemispherical. It was found that carbon fibre preforms and hybrids deconsolidate and develop wrinkles during forming. These wrinkles collapse during the final consolidation stage and good surface quality of the hemispherical parts is achieved. ispartof: PROCEEDINGS OF 21ST INTERNATIONAL ESAFORM CONFERENCE ON MATERIAL FORMING (ESAFORM 2018) vol:1960 ispartof: 21st International ESAFORM Conference on Material Forming (ESAFORM) location:ITALY, Univ Palermo, Palermo date:23 Apr - 25 Apr 2018 status: published

In the present study, a combined experimental and numerical investigation on Linear Friction Welding (LFW) of AA2011-T3 aluminum alloy was carried out in order to find the temperature dependent shear coefficient to be used in a 3D numerical model of the process. Torque, oscillation frequency and pressure were acquired in order to calculate the shear stress at the interface. A numerical thermal model was used to calculate the temperature at the interface between the specimens starting from experimental temperatures acquired through a thermocouple embedded in the LFW specimens. Finally, the calculated shear coefficient was used to model the contact between the two specimens in a dedicated 3D, Lagrangian, thermo-mechanically coupled rigid-viscoplastic numerical model of the LFW process. A narrow range of variation of the shear factor vs temperature curve was found with varying LFW process parameters and good agreement was obtained for the temperature prediction of the 3D model of the process. Keywords: Linear friction welding, Shear coefficient, FEM model, Aluminum alloys

Friction Stir Extrusion is a novel technique for direct recycling of metal scrap. In the process, a dedicated tool produces both the heat and the pressure to compact and extrude the original raw material, i.e., machining chip, as a consolidated component. A proper fixture was used to carry out an experimental campaign on Friction Stir Extrusion of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Variable tool rotation and extrusion ratio were considered. Appearance of defects and fractures was related to either too high or too low power input. The extruded rods were investigated both from the metallurgical and mechanical points of view. Tensile strength up to 80 % of the parent material was found for the best combination of process parameters. A peculiar 3D helical material flow was highlighted through metallurgical observation of the specimens.

Linear Friction Welding (LFW) is a solid state welding process used to joint bulk components. In the paper, an experimental and numerical study on LFW of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is presented. A laboratory designed LFW machine has been used to weld the specimens with different contact pressure and oscillation frequency. The joint microstructure has been experimentally observed with SEM and EDS. A dedicated numerical model, able to predict temperature, strain and strain rate distribution as well as the phase volume fraction evolution, has been utilized to predict the final microstructure in the welded parts. It was found that complete transformation of the alpha phase into beta phase occurs during the process. After cool down, martensitic structure is obtained at the core of the weld due to high temperatures reached during the process and high cooling rates occurring at the end of the reciprocating motion. Microhardness measurements confirmed increased hardness in the Weld Zone with respect to the parent material

Difficult to weld aluminium alloys can be effectively joined by different alternative processes. Friction Stir Welding (FSW), among the solid-state processes and adhesive bonding represent two very attractive techniques. They allow the production of highly resistant joints avoiding the formation of the typical fusion weld defects. The aim of this work is to identify, analyse and compare the mechanical properties of AA6016 aluminium alloy joints made out of 1 mm thick sheets. FSW lap joints were and epoxy bonded joints were produced. Using the FSW results as benchmark, the overlap required in the bonded joint was identified to ensure the same static strength. Once the geometric configurations of the joints are known, the static and dynamic resistance of welds and bonding have been compared.

In the present work, friction stir welding experiments on AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets, characterized by a variable thickness along the welding line, were carried out. The approach adapted during welding consisted in maintaining constant the heat input to the joint. To this purpose, the rotational speed of the pin tool was increased with decreasing thickness and decreased with increasing thickness in order to obtain the same temperatures during welding. The amount by which the rotational speed was changed as a function of the sheet thickness was defined on the basis of the results given by FEM simulations of the FSW process. Finally, the effect of the in-process variation of the tool rotational speed on the mechanical and microstructural properties of FSWed joints was analysed by comparing both the nominal stress vs. nominal strain curves and microstructure of FSWed joints obtained in different process conditions. It was observed that FSW performed by keeping constant the heat input to the joint leads to almost coincident results both in terms of the curve shape, ultimate tensile strength and ultimate elongation values, and microstructure.

The production of most mechanical component requires machining operation, thus usually implying the cut material to be wasted as scrap. Traditional recycling techniques are not able to efficiently recycle metal chips because of some critical aspects that characterize such kind of scraps (shape, oxide layers, contaminating residues, etc). Friction Stir Extrusion is an innovative solid state direct-recycling technique for metal machining chips. During the process, a rotating tool is plunged into a hollows matrix to compact, stir and finally, back extrudes the chips to be recycled in a full dense rod. This process results to be particularly relevant since no preliminary treatment of the scrap is required. Experimental campaigns have been carried out in order to investigate the effects on process mechanics of the introduction of silicon carbide micro powders.

Friction Stir Extrusion (FSE) is a novel process designed to directly recycle machining chips. An experimental campaign was carried out on AZ31 milling chips using variations in extrusion ratio, force and tool rotation rate. The process mechanics were studied and correlated to the material flow, which was elucidated through use of a copper marker. A 3D, Lagrangian, thermo-mechanically coupled dedicated numerical model was set up and validated through temperature measurements. The combination of experimental and numerical results permitted to reconstruct the complex 3D material flow induced by tool rotation and plunge into the extrusion billet chamber.

In this study, two bonding criteria, previously used for porthole die extrusion, are applied to FSW starting from the local value of the main field variables calculated through a specifically developed 3D numerical model of the process. Their applicability and effectiveness have been assessed through an experimental and numerical campaign carried out with the main process parameters varying in a wide range. The pressure–time–flow criterion was demonstrated to be better suited for FSW processes when large welding speed is used.

Solid-state bonding occurs in several manufacturing processes, as Friction Stir Welding, Porthole Die Extrusion and Roll Bonding. Proper conditions of pressure, temperature, strain and strain rate are needed in order to get effective bonding in the final component. In the paper, a neural network is set up, trained and used to predict the bonding occurrence starting from the results of specific numerical models developed for each process. The Plata-Piwnik criterion was used in order to define a quantitative parameter taking into account the effectiveness of the bonding. Excellent predictive capability of the network is obtained for each process.

Lap joints of Ti–6Al–4V were produced and the effect of the main process parameters was studied through macro and micro investigations highlighting mechanical resistance, microhardness profiles, grain size and phase distributions. A dedicated numerical model was used to link the input process parameters to temperature and strain distributions and to the final microstructure in the welded joint. It is found that the strain produced in the stir zone by proper combination of process parameters plays a fundamental role in the final microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints.

A microstructural and mechanical investigation on lap joints welded by friction stir welding and made out of a 7075-T6 stringer and a 2024-T4 skin is presented. In particular, the metallurgical and mechanical properties of joints have been studied at different tool feed rates (V = 35, 50, 100 mm/min) and constant rotation speed (R = 500 r/min). Temperature distributions have been monitored during the process. It is found that in the welded area, the recrystallized zone (nugget) has an average grain size of about 3 µm and exhibits coarsened MgZn2 particles on grain boundaries. The maximum values of microhardness in the welded skin increase with the process temperature, while they just slightly vary with process temperature in the stringer. From the mechanical point of view, the joint welded at R = 500 r/min and V = 50 mm/min exhibits both the highest strength and average microhardness value in the welded area.

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process patented in 1991 by TWI; initially adopted to weld aluminum alloys, it is now being successfully used also for high resistant materials. Welding of titanium alloys by traditional fusion welding techniques presents several difficulties due to high material reactivity with oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen with consequent embrittlement of the joint. In this way FSW represents a cost effective and high quality solution. The final mechanical properties of the joints are strictly connected to the microstructural evolutions, in terms of phase change, occurring during the process. In the paper a 3D FEM model of the FSW welding process, based on a thermo-mechanical fully coupled analysis, is presented. The model, tuned both for the thermo-mechanical analysis and the phase transformation through experimental data, is able to predict the phase volume fraction in the typical zones of the joints at the varying of the main process parameters. The obtained results permit to assess that the tuned FEM model of the FSW process can be utilized as an effective design tool.

In the paper solid state bonding conditions obtained in friction stir welding (FSW) of AA5754-H111 butt joints are analysed, considering the so called zigzag line in the transverse section of the joints. A wide experimental campaign was carried out varying both tool advancing speed and tool rotational one. The effects of the process on the mechanical properties of the joint were highlighted and micro- and macro-observations were used in order to explain the reasons of the enhanced mechanical properties found for the welded material. Numerical results derived from a FEM model previously developed by the authors were utilised to point out the different mechanical and metallurgical behavior of the obtained joints.

Dissimilar lap joints were produced by friction stir welding (FSW) out of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and AA2024 aluminum alloy sheets. The joints, welded with varying tool rotation and feed rate, were studied by analyzing the maximum shear strength, Vickers microhardness and optical observations. A dedicated numerical model, able to take into account the presence of the two different alloys, was used to highlight the effects of the process parameters on temperature distribution, strain distribution, and material flow. The combined analysis of experimental measurements and numerical predictions allowed explaining the effects of tool rotation and feed rate on the material flow. It was found that tool rotation had a larger impact on the joint effectiveness with respect to feed rate. A competition between material mixing and heat input occurs with increasing tool rotation, resulting in higher joint strength when lower values of tool rotation are used.

Aluminum sheets can be joined to composite materials with different techniques. Each of them has advantages and weak points over the others. In literature, new techniques and patents are continuously developed to overcome these difficulties. In the paper a new Friction Stir Welding based approach is proposed to mechanically join AA6082-T6 to self-reinforced polypropylene. The aluminum sheet is pre-holed along both the sides of the weld line. A pinless tool generates the heat and pressure needed to activate back-extrusion of the composite. Joints have been produced with varying hole diameter and pitch. The mechanical resistance of the joint has been evaluated and the different failure modes were identified. Finally, a numerical model was set up to study the process mechanics by calculating the distribution of the main field variables, i.e. temperature strain and nodal displacement.

The Piwnik and Plata pressure-time bonding criterion was applied to Friction Stir Welding, Linear Friction Welding, Porthole Extrusion and Roll Bonding. A neural network was set up, trained and used to predict the bonding occurrence starting from the main field variable distributions calculated through specific numerical models developed for each process. The analysis of the results permitted to predict the occurrence of solid bonding and to highlight differences and analogies between the processes in order to obtain sound solid welds.

Two different in-process control strategies, developed in order to produce sound joints in AZ31 magnesium alloy by Friction Stir Welding on sheet blanks with a non-uniform thickness, are presented and compared. To this purpose, sheets with dip or hump were machined and welded by either changing the rotational speed or the tool plunging in order to keep constant the vertical force occurring during welding. The mechanical strength of the joints was measured in the zones where the sheets before welding were characterised by different thicknesses. The sheets welded by the two different strategies are characterized by very similar ultimate tensile strength values. Finally, the results showed that the two approaches permit to successfully weld sheets with non-uniform thickness with a reduced loss in the mechanical strength.

The results of an experimental and numerical analysis on Friction Stir Welding of dissimilar lap joints made out of AISI304 and Ti-6Al-4 V thin sheets are presented. The mixed joints, welded with varying process parameters, have been characterized from a mechanical and metallurgical point of view. A numerical model able to take into account the behaviour of the two different materials has been used. The numerical results have been utilized to explain the joint properties and the occurring material flow. The effect of the heat input, tilt angle and sheets mutual position has been investigated. It is found that both hooking defects and tunnels may occur with incorrect choice of process parameters. Good nugget integrity is obtained when the titanium sheet is used as upper sheet and high heat input is conferred to the joint. Finally, welding speed influences the nugget morphology as low values contribute to minimize the formation of the hooking defect.

Linear Friction Welding (LFW) is a solid-state joining process applied to non-axisymmetric components. LFW involves joining of materials through the relative motion of two components undergoing an axial force. In such process the heat source is given by the frictional forces work decaying into heat determining a local softening of the material and eventually bonding conditions. In the paper the authors present a designed and assembled laboratory fixture for LFW operations and the results of an experimental and numerical campaign aimed to weld steel parts. The dedicated fixture permitted to highlight the effect of the most important process parameters. Process conditions allowing effective bonding conditions were highlighted and local conditions of pressure and temperature determining effective bonding of the specimens were determined.

One of the most relevant aspects of friction stir welding is the possibility to weld different materials. In the present paper, the authors present an improved continuum finite element model for the simulation of friction stir welding processes aimed to obtain T joints, made of a stringer in AA7175-T73511 and of a skin in AA2024-T4. The model, taking into account the thermomechanical behaviours of the two different materials, is utilised to study the occurring material flow and residual stress state. Numerical results are compared with experimental observations: the model is able to predict the material flow, obtaining important information on the joint failure mode.

FSW of titanium alloys is nowadays one of the most challenging welding operations, even with a solid state process, due to the thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical characteristics of such materials. Due to the relevant application of titanium alloys in the aeronautic and aerospace industries, in the recent years few attempts were carried out to develop FSW processes aimed to maximize the mechanical performances of the welded parts. In the paper a new fixture is presented allowing obtaining effective FSW joints of titanium blanks, which were investigated through mechanical and metallurgical tests highlighting the peculiarities of FSW of titanium alloys.

Aluminum alloys are widely used in the aircraft industries even if such materials present lower ductility with respect to steels, anisotropy phenomena and, more important, they are often “difficult” to be welded or even “non-weldable”. In the last years the friction stir welding process (FSW) was proposed and applied in order to get good mechanical and technological performances of the joints. In this paper, an experimental and numerical investigation on the lap joining of AA2198-T4 aluminum alloy blanks by FSW is presented. In particular the joints strength and metallurgical properties are investigated by varying the joint configuration and the tool geometry and rotational speed. It is found that the use of cylindrical–conical pin tools and the correct choice of the relative sheet positioning increase the welded nugget extension and integrity improving the mechanical performances of the obtained joints.

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) has been proposed as an effective technology to spot weld the so-called “difficult to be welded” metal alloys. In the paper, a variation of the FSSW process has been considered. A tool path is given after the sinking phase nearby the initial penetration site; in this way a larger welding spot is obtained and more material is involved in the bonding process. The process mechanics of such modified FSSW process is highlighted and the joint strength undergoing tensile tests is considered at the varying both of the assigned tool path and of a few process parameters. Macro- and micro-analyses are made in order to analyze the local material microstructure evolution. It is found that improved performances, with respect to the “traditional” FSSW process, are obtained for all the considered case studies.

Friction-stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new but already well known solid-state welding process whose main advantage with respect to fusion welding processes is the possibility to successfully weld light alloys, traditionally considered difficult to weld or unweldable. Despite the good mechanical performances that can be obtained, there exists the possibility to further improve the joints' effectiveness through post-welding heat treatments that are however time and cost-expensive and, therefore, not best suited for industrial applications. In the present paper, the authors report the results of an experimental campaign, developed on FSW of AA7075-T6 aluminum alloy, aimed to investigate the possibility to enhance the joint performances through in process heat treatments. Welded joints were developed under three different conditions, namely, free air, forced air, and with water flowing on the surface of the joint itself. The influence of the external refrigerants was investigated at the varying of the specific thermal contribution conferred to the joint. Both mechanical and metallurgical investigations were developed on the welded joints highlighting both improvements of mechanical performances of the joints and reductions in the softening of the material when external refrigerants are used. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.

Titanium alloys are considered desirable materials when both good mechanical properties and weight reduction are required at the same time. This class of materials is widely used in those fields (aeronautics, aerospace) in which common steels and light-weight materials, e.g., aluminum alloys, are not able to satisfy all operative service conditions. During the last decade, forging of titanium alloys has attracted greater attention from both industrial and scientific/academic researchers because of their potential in providing a near net shaped part with minimal need for machining. In this paper, a numerical model of the forging sequences for a Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy aerospace component is presented. The model was tested and validated against experimental forgings. The model is then applied to predict loads final microstructure and defects of an aeronautical component. In addition to metal flow and die stresses, microstructural transformations (α and β phases) are considered for the determination of proper process parameters. It is found that transformation from α/β to β phase during forging and reverse transformations in post-forge cooling needs to be considered in the computational model for reasonable prediction of forging loads and product properties.