3d finite element simulation of friction stir welding process of aluminum sheets

the friction stir welding FSW a relatively new welding process was developed in 1991 at the welding institute near cambridge england . There are two tool speeds to be considered in friction -stir welding how fast the tool rotates and how quickly it traverses the interface these two parameters have considerable significance and should be chosen with care to ensure a successful and efficient welding cycle . the relationship between the welding speeds and the heat input during welding is complex. in this paper the friction stir welding FSW process of stainless steel alloys has been modeled using a three dimensional finite element method. a coupled thermal viscoplastic model was used for the simulation . tool speeds and temperature distribution are coupled and solved togther using this method.