Computational modelling of dynamic recrystallisation of Ni-based superalloy during linear friction welding

Linear friction welding (LFW) is an advanced joining technology used for manufacturing and repairing complex assemblies like blade integrated disks (blisks) of aeroengines. This paper presents an integrated multiphysics computational modelling for predicting the thermomechanical-microstructural processes of IN718 alloy (at the component-scale) during LFW. Johnson–Mehl–Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model was implemented for predicting the dynamic recrystallisation of γ grain, which was coupled with thermomechanical modelling of the LFW process. The computational modelling results of this paper agree well with experimental results from the literature in terms of γ grain size and weld temperature. Twenty different LFW process parameter configurations were systematically analysed in the computations by using the integrated model. It was found that friction pressure was the most influential process parameter, which significantly affected the dynamic recrystallisation of γ grains and weld temperature during LFW. The integrated multiphysics computational modelling was employed to find the appropriate process window of IN718 LFW.

A Novel Method for Joining Steel/Al Tube Parts Based on Electromagnetic Force by Flat Coil

Electromagnetic joining technology is an effective technique to join tubes with dissimilar materials. In this paper, a new approach for steel/Al tube parts joined by electromagnetic crimping using a flat coil was investigated. Electromagnetic crimping process experiments with different discharge energies (12, 14, and 16 kJ) and property tests were carried out. Meanwhile, the deformation characteristics of the outer tube under different discharging energies were discussed to study the fittability of the joining zone. The quality of the crimped joint was analyzed by microstructure characterization. The results show that the proposed approach was able to obtain torque joints and was potentially for tubular parts manufacturing. Moreover, higher discharging energy would result in better fittability degree and torque strength but might cause some cracks in the necking area. Combining the results of torsion tests with the microstructure observation, the comprehensive performance of the joint formed under a moderate discharge energy (14 kJ) was optimal.

Numerical and Empirical Studies on Friction Stir Welding of Yellow Brass 405-20

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an eco-friendly and solid-state joining technology. Due to this reason, industries are keenly adopting this joining process in their various applications e.g., automobile, aerospace, marine, etc. Several materials have already been welded by FSW including aluminum, copper, steel, alloys of these materials, plastics, composites, and list are still going on. Few researchers have welded the brass using FSW. In this research, yellow brass 405-20 is welded with FSW for the very first time. Thermal distribution during FSW of brass was recorded via both simulations and experiments. Moreover, ultimate tensile strength was also measured numerically with its validation from its empirical counterpart. Finally, hardness was measured numerically in the form of compressive strength of welded brass, and it was also validated experimentally. Three aspects of validated simulations were never studied for brass 405-20 before and finally a good and close match was found between results from both simulations and experiments.

Development of a new joining technology for hybrid joints of sheet metal and continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastics

Punctiform mechanical joining technologies, such as riveting, clinching, or screwing, which are widely used in sheet metal processing, are frequently applied because they have been established for many years. Depending on the process, they offer a variety of advantages such as one-sided accessibility, re-detachability, and no need for pre-punching operations or auxiliary joining elements. In addition, the processes often guarantee a high process reliability and extensive process monitoring. However, with thermoplastic composites, they lead to considerable stress concentrations at the joint due to the fibers. Undesirable fiber and inter-fiber breaks then result. With the development of the novel joining technology of joint stamp riveting, an improvement is achieved in this situation that has been described for hybrid joints on components made of thermoplastic composites and metal sheets. The joining principle is based on the formation of a form lock between the joining partners. The thermoplastic composite is thermomechanically formed by means of a joint stamp without using an auxiliary joining element. Within the scope of a research project, the joining process was characterized with regard to the structure of the joining spot, the geometry of the forming tools, and also the mechanical properties for purposes of analyzing and designing the joining process.

Shoulderless Friction Stir Welding: a low-force solid state keyhole joining technique for deep welding of labile structures

This paper reports on the possibility of performing Friction Stir Welding (FSW) without the usual immanent shoulder to enable FS processing to deep welding of narrow and labile structures and applications where backing is not possible. Requirements and prerequisites, advantages and limitations for Shoulderless Friction Stir Welding (SLFSW) are discussed and an industrial application of the joining technology is presented. For leaving the shoulder out, its central functions in FSW have to be transferred to the pin. The resulting tool design of SLFSW is comparably small and slim and so reduces contact area and effective lever and in turn forces and heat input during processing. SLFSW allows welding paths almost at the edge of components and enables a complete and gap-free joining while a deformation of overhanging structures can be avoided. Compared to standard FSW processes, force reductions of about 80–85 % and power reductions of about 75–80 % were found in this study for a 6.5 mm deep weld opening up additional potential for integration with other spindle processes like milling. The locally very limited process impact of SLFSW resulted in comparably low distortion with a part precision reached of +/− 0.05 mm.

Process Transferability of Friction Riveting of AA2024-T351/Polyetherimide (PEI) Joints Using Hand-Driven, Low-Cost Drilling Equipment

The present work deals with the transferability of Friction Riveting joining technology from laboratory equipment to adapted in-house, low-cost machinery. A G13 drilling machine was modified for the requirements of the selected joining technique, and joints were performed using polyethermide plates and AA2024 aluminum alloy rivets of 6 mm diameter. This diameter was not previously reported for Friction Riveting. The produced joints were mechanically tested under tensile loading (pullout tests) with ultimate tensile forces of 9500 ± 900 N. All tested specimens failed through full-rivet pullout, which is the weakest reported joint in Friction Riveting. In order to understand this behavior, FE models were created and analyzed. The models produced were in agreement with the experimental results, with failure initiated within the polymer under stress concentrations in the polymeric material above the deformed metallic anchor at an ultimate value of the stress of 878 MPa at the surface of the joint. Stresses decreased to less than half of the maximum value around the anchoring zone while the rivet was removed and towards the surface. The paper thus demonstrates the potential ease of applying and reproducing Friction Riveting with simple machinery, while contributing to an understanding of the mechanical behavior (initialization of failure) of joints.

Advances in friction stir welding by separate control of shoulder and probe

Friction stir welding (FSW) has developed into a reliable and increasing used industrial joining technology. Various tool configurations can be used for FSW, each of which has advantages and challenges. State-of-the-art FSW employs various tool configurations, including the conventional, the stationary shoulder, and the dual-rotational configuration which is characterized by separate control of shoulder and probe. In this study, an innovative method to combine various tool configurations was developed by a novel FSW spindle stack construction. With an additional servomotor, existing FSW systems can be extended by separate control of shoulder and probe so that varying rotational speeds and rotational directions can be set. This allows enhanced possibilities (a) to adjust frictional heat generation and (b) to apply several tool configurations. The main advantages of this enhanced type of FSW are demonstrated in three ways: increased weld penetration depth, reduction of undesirable machine vibrations, and the combination of varying tool configurations such as stationary shoulder and conventional FSW. The investigations were carried out with 2-mm EN AA 5754 H22 sheets and performed on a robotized FSW setup.