Thermal Modeling of Immersed Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

This study aims to experimentally see the thermal histories and temperature distributions in a workpiece during an immersed friction stir welding (FSW) process involving the butt joining of aluminium AA 8011 in water. K- Type thermocouples are used to compute the temperature histories for the period of FSW at different locations on the workpiece in the welding way. M-seal (epoxy compound) is used to prevent the contact of water to thermocouples. Regression analyses by the least squares method are used to forecast the temperatures at the joint line. A second-order polynomial curve is established to best fit the investigational temperature values in the width direction of the workpiece. A three-dimensional thermal model for Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is presented. The simulation model is tested with existing experimental results of aluminium alloys 8011.For immersed joint, the peak-temperature distributing region is significantly lessened and the welding thermal cycles in different zones are successfully controlled.