Abstract:
Solid state processing is performed on a workpiece by using a tool capable of friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, or friction stir welding, wherein solid state processing modifies characteristics of a workpiece while substantially maintaining a solid phase in some embodiments, allowing some elements to pass through a liquid phase in other embodiments, and wherein modified characteristics of the material include, but are not limited to, microstructure, macrostructure, toughness, hardness, grain boundaries, grain size, the distribution of phases, ductility, superplasticity, change in nucleation site densities, compressibility, expandability, coefficient of friction, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, magnetic properties, strength, radiation absorption, and thermal conductivity.
Abstract:
A method of selecting a geometry for a friction stirring tool, said tool having a melting point that is higher than the workpiece material, wherein the tool is placed in motion against the workpiece to generate heat in the workpiece such that workpiece material is transported in surface features of the tool, and wherein surface features manage workpiece material flow around the tool, and wherein the tool can be used in friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, friction stir welding, and friction stir spot welding of high melting temperature materials or high softening temperature materials.
Abstract:
A friction stir tool is provided to perform friction stir riveting using a partially consumable pin, wherein the pin includes a cutting edge on a bottom surface thereof, wherein the tool is rotated at a first speed to enable cutting by the pin into a first material that is overlapping a second material, wherein after the pin has cut to a sufficient depth, the rotational speed of the tool is increased to thereby enable plasticization of the consumable pin, the first material, and the second material, wherein the tool is then rapidly decelerated until stopped, enabling diffusion bonding between the pin, the first material and the second material.
Abstract:
A system and method for using Friction Stir Spot Joining (FSSJ) to join workpieces made of Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS), wherein a first embodiment is a FSSJ tool that has no surface features, and wherein the rate of rotation of the FSSJ tool is much higher than is used in other FSW techniques to thereby reduce torque by causing plasticization of the AHSS on a small scale, and in a second embodiment, conventional FSSJ tools can be used at conventional FSSJ speeds if the FSSJ tool is manufactured from conductive tool materials having a high hardness, and heating of the FSSJ tool and/or the workpieces enhances the ability of the FSSJ tool to functionally weld the AHSS.
Abstract:
A system and method for friction stir processing of an industrial blade, wherein friction stir processing techniques are used to modify the properties of the industrial blade to thereby obtain superior edge retention and superior resistance to chipping.
Abstract:
A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.
Abstract:
A tool (40) for friction stir spot welding of high melting temperature materials, wherein the tool geometry includes a short pin (44) and broad shoulder (42) to enhance mixing of high temperature materials, and wherein the tool (40) includes a superabrasive coating to thereby enable FSSW of high melting temperature materials.
Abstract:
A mandrel (72) that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe (90) or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel (72) is expandable through the use of a wedge (82), and wherein the mandrel (72) enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.