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The manufacturing of aluminium alloy structural aerospace parts involves several steps: forming (rolling, forging …etc), heat treatments and machining. Before machining, the manufacturing processes have embedded residual stresses into the workpiece. The final geometry is obtained during this last step, when up to 90% of the raw material volume is removed by machining. During this operation, the mechanical equilibrium of the part is in constant evolution due to the redistribution of the initial stresses. This redistribution is the main cause for workpiece deflections during machining and for distortions - after unclamping. Both may lead to non-conformity of the part regarding the geometrical and dimensional specifications and therefore to rejection of the part or additional conforming steps. In order to improve the machining accuracy and the robustness of the process, the effect of the residual stresses has to be considered for the definition of the machining process plan and even in the geometrical definition of the part. In this paper, the authors present two new numerical approaches concerning the modelling of machining of aeronautical structural parts. The first deals with the use of an immersed volume framework to model the cutting step, improving the robustness and the quality of the resulting mesh compared to the previous version. The second is about the mechanical modelling of the machining problem. The authors thus show that in the framework of rolled aluminium parts the use of a linear elasticity model is functional in the finite element formulation and promising regarding the reduction of computation times.The manufacturing of aluminium alloy structural aerospace parts involves several steps: forming (rolling, forging …etc), heat treatments and machining. Before machining, the manufacturing processes have embedded residual stresses into the workpiece. The final geometry is obtained during this last step, when up to 90% of the raw material volume is removed by machining. During this operation, the mechanical equilibrium of the part is in constant evolution due to the redistribution of the initial stresses. This redistribution is the main cause for workpiece deflections during machining and for distortions - after unclamping. Both may lead to non-conformity of the part regarding the geometrical and dimensional specifications and therefore to rejection of the part or additional conforming steps. In order to improve the machining accuracy and the robustness of the process, the effect of the residual stresses has to be considered for the definition of the machining process plan and even in the geometrical defini...

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.

Ever since its inception, friction stir welding (FSW) is being validated by scientific investigations as an effective substitution for fusion-based conventional joining technologies. One of the main strengths of FSW is the possibility to produce dissimilar joints, even using materials extremely different in terms of thermal and mechanical properties. The goal of the present research is to investigate the feasibility of both Al-Ti skin-stringer and reversed Ti-Al skin-stringer joints, highlighting the effect of joint configuration and main process parameters on material flow and joint mechanical properties. During the investigation, the essentiality of the proper heat input through balancing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A three-degree-of-freedom mathematical vibration model of a high-speed punching press was developed in order to explore the vibration modes of the punching press. A multidomain model of the punching press was established to predict the kinematic state during different conditions, as well as the effects of load fluctuation on the motor speed. Experimental measurements of the acceleration of the punching press were carried out. The results comparison reveals that the multidomain model is consistent with the vibration model and the experimental measurements. Modal analysis and structure modification of the punching press were conducted. The foundation at the base of the punching press was improved against excess of vibration. The effects of the dimensions of the foundation on the vibration were discussed with the aid of the multidomain model. Finally, proper foundation design, able to reduce the vibration, was obtained.

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

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%.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spot welding can be considered a very common joining technique in automotive and transportation industries as it permits to obtain effective lap-joints with short process times and what is more it is easily developed through robots and automated systems. Recently the Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) process has been proposed as a natural evolution of the already known Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process, allowing to obtain sound spot joints that do not suffer from the insurgence of typical welding defects due to the fusion of the base material. In the paper, a modified Friction Stir Spot Welding (FSSW) process, with a spiral circular movement given to the tool after the sinking stage, is proposed. A continuum based numerical model for Friction Stir Spot Welding process is developed, that is 2D Lagrangian implicit, coupled, rigid-viscoplastic. This model is used to investigate the distribution of the main field variables, namely temperature, strain and strain rate, as well as the Zener-Hollomon parameter which, in turn, strongly affects the Continuous Dynamic Recrystallization (CDRX) process that takes place in the weld nugget. Numerical and experimental results are presented showing the effects of the process parameters on the joint performances and the mechanical effectiveness of the modified process.

In this paper, the authors present the results of a wide experimental campaign on aeronautical T-shaped parts of industrial interest characterized by dissimilar materials for the skin and stringer. The friction stir welding process engineering was developed with the aim to determine the specific process parameters determining the soundness on the obtained T-parts both from the metallurgical and mechanical point of view. Furthermore, the performance of the obtained T-joints was investigated.

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 welding (FSW) is an energy efficient and environmentally "friendly" (no fumes, noise, or sparks) welding process, during which the workpieces are welded together in a solid-state joining process at a temperature below the melting point of the workpiece material under a combination of extruding and forging. Since its invention in 1991 by TWI, such process has been reaching a continuously increasing popularity among aerospace, automotive and shipbuilding industries due its capability to weld unweldable or difficult-to-weld light alloys in different joint morphologies. In this paper a wide experimental campaign is carried out in order to obtain T and lap joints characterized by dimensions of industrial interest from two sheets, the stringer and the skin, of different materials. In particular a peculiar clamping fixture has been designed in order to assure a perfect contact between the stringer and the skin and to develop the “transparency” welding; a proper welding tool has been utilized allowing to obtain at the same time a sound joint and the designed final component fillet radii. Finally T-pull tests together with macro and micro observations have been developed at the varying of the main process parameters.

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.

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.

In the paper, a numerical and experimental study was carried out to highlight the effect of the distance d between the weld seam and the reinforcement on the residual stress distribution in Friction Stir Welded AA6082-T6 structures. An L-shaped profile was welded to a sheet metal with varying tool rotation and distance d from the weld seam. The Cut Compliance method was used to determine the resulting longitudinal residual stress. A dedicated FE model for FSW was set up, validated and utilized to predict the longitudinal residual stress in the assembled part. The analysis allowed the identification of a few design guidelines in order to reduce the detrimental effects of the residual stresses.

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.

Friction Stir Extrusion is an innovative direct-recycling technology for metal machining chips. During the process a specifically designed rotating tool is plunged into a cylindrical matrix containing the scraps to be recycled. The stirring action of the tool prompts solid bonding related phenomena allowing the back extrusion of a full dense rod. This process results to be particularly relevant because allows the reuse of the scrap without any previous treatment. Experiments have been carried out in order to investigate the influence of the process parameters on the extrudes quality and a numerical model has been developed in order to simulate the evolution of the material flow.

Modern aeronautical and aerospace industries must face the demanding challenge of reducing operational consumption and production costs coming from materials and labor. Current trend of engineering is oriented to meet both requirements increasing the use of materials characterized by high specific resistance as titanium alloys. Hot forging can be used to reduce the production costs of titanium components: forging in closed dies of billets or semi-finished forms, at different temperatures above or below the β-transus temperature, allows the production of complex shapes with limited amount of edge trim removal and machining rework after forging. Unfortunately, as far as Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy is regarded, several material peculiarities have to be properly taken into account in order to produce defect free Ti–6Al–4V alloy components. In the paper, an experimental and numerical campaign, focused on a typical case study for aeronautical engines, is carried out. The aim of this research is to investigate the process mechanics and the causes for the final microstructure observed through micrographic analysis. Once set-up and tested against experimental loads, the model was used to predict phases distributions after both forging and cool down.

In this paper the results of an experimental investigation into the local mechanical and morphological characterization of AA6082-T6 friction stir-welded (FSW) butt joints are illustrated. The softening effects of the welding process are highlighted through the use of micro-indentation tests on the top surface of the specimens. The effect of post-welding heat treatments was investigated, also.

Although friction stir welding (FSW) has been successfully used to join materials that are difficult-to-weld or unweldeable by fusion welding methods, it is still in its early development stage and, therefore, a scientific knowledge based predictive model is of significant help for thorough understanding of FSW process. In this paper, a continuum based FEM model for friction stir welding process is proposed, that is 3D Lagrangian implicit, coupled, rigid-viscoplastic. This model is calibrated by comparing with experimental results of force and temperature distribution, then is used to investigate the distribution of temperature and strain in heat affect zone and the weld nugget. The model correctly predicts the non-symmetric nature of FSW process, and the relationships between the tool forces and the variation in the process parameters. It is found that the effective strain distribution is non-symmetric about the weld line while the temperature profile is almost symmetric in the weld zone.

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.

Titanium forging has been encountering a growing interest in the scientific and industrial communities because of the distinct advantages it provides with respect to machining, in terms of both mechanical properties of the product and material waste, thus significantly reducing the Buy to Fly ratio. In the paper, a numerical FE model, based on a tri-coupled approach and able to predict the microstructural evolutions of the workpiece during the process, is developed and set up. Calculated results are compared to experiments for a few industrial case studies. The final phases distribution in the forged parts is experimentally measured and compared to the FE model output finding satisfying overlapping.

Titanium alloys are considered desirable materials when both mechanical properties and weight reduction are requested at the same time. This class of materials is widely used in application fields, like aeronautical, in which common steels and light-weight materials, like aluminum alloys, are not able to satisfy all operative service conditions. Most of manufacturing processes of titanium alloy components are based on machining operations, which allow obtaining very accurate final shapes but, at the same time, are affected by several disadvantage like material waste and general production costs. During the last decade, the forging processes for titanium alloys have attracted greater attention from both industrial and scientific/academic researchers because of their potential in providing a net shaped part with minimal need for machining. In this paper, a numerical analysis of the forging process design for an Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy aerospace component is presented that focuses on the role of material evolution during thermomechanical processing. This component geometry is characterized by thin webs and ribs, and sharp corner and fillet radii. The numerical model was tested and validated by means of comparison with real experimental forgings in order to verify the quality in the prediction of material flow and microstructure evolution. Moreover, the analysis of forgeability of the same component with more critical geometrical ratios is considered in order to test the capability of code to support the forging sequence design in the case of a complex shape component.

Single-point incremental forming (SPIF) is a quite new sheet-forming process which offers the possibility to deform complex parts without dedicated dies using a single-point tool and a standard three-axis CNC machine. The process mechanics enables higher strains with respect to traditional sheet-forming processes, but particular attention must be given to the maximum forming angle. In this paper, a new approach is proposed to enhance the material formability through a localized sheet heating as a consequence of the friction work caused by elevated tool rotational speeds. AA1050-O, AA1050-H24, and AA6082-T6 were utilized, and the reached temperatures were recorded by thermocouples, fixed to the sheet using a metal structure. A significant increase in the material formability was observed for both materials, and new formability curves have been built at the varying of the utilized rotational speed.

Linear friction welding is a solid-state joining process for non-axisymmetric components in which joining of materials is obtained through the relative motion of two components under pressure. In the 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. A dedicated fixture was equipped with sensors for the in-process acquisition of variables regarding kinematics, dynamics and temperature levels. The results of an experimental campaign aimed to weld AA6082-T6 aluminum alloy parts are presented and a process window is identified for the used alloy.

Friction stir welding (FSW) now definitively reached a large interest in the scientific community and what is more in the industrial environment, due to the advantages of such solid state welding process with respect to the classic ones. The latter aspects are relevant also with reference to joints characterized by a complex geometry. What is more, advanced FEM tools permit to develop effective engineering of the processes; quantitative results can be acquired from numerical simulations once basic information, as the process mechanics and the material flow, are certain. Material flow plays a fundamental role in FSW since it determines the effectiveness of the joints or, in turn, the insurgence of defects. In the paper, the material flow in the FSW of aluminum alloys T-joints is investigated at the varying of the most relevant technological and geometrical parameters with numerical simulations and experiments. In particular, to investigate the metal flow, a wide campaign of experimental tests and observations was developed utilizing a thin foil of brass as marker, placed at the interface of the two blanks to be welded. Some relevant conclusions on the process mechanics and on the actual material flow determining the material bonding are outlined, permitting an insight of the FSW of T-joints.

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been reaching a continuously increasing popularity among joining processes since its invention in 1991. Although mainly used for aluminium alloys, it has been successfully applied also to steels. In the present paper, a continuum based FEM model for FSW of steels is proposed, which is three-dimensional Lagrangian implicit, coupled, rigid viscoplastic. The model, whose potential has been analysed through temperature distribution comparisons, is able to predict temperature, strain and strain rate distributions, together with thermal and mechanical loads on the welding tool, at varying main process variables. In this way, the FEM model can be used for process and tool design.

In the paper the microstructural phenomena in terms of average grain size occurring in friction stir welding (FSW) processes are focused. A neural network was linked to a finite element model (FEM) of the process to predict the average grain size values. The utilized net was trained starting from experimental data and numerical results of butt joints and then tested on further butt, lap and T-joints. The obtained results show the capability of the AI technique in conjunction with the FE tool to predict the final microstructure in the FSW joints.

The results of an experimental study on friction stir spot welding (FSSW) of AA6082-T6 are reported. In particular, process mechanics is highlighted and joint strength is considered in relation to varying the most relevant process parameters. Furthermore, the results obtained are compared with those derived from the application of traditional mechanical fastening techniques such as clinching and riveting. In this way the effectiveness of FSSW is highlighted.

Tailor welded blanks (TWBs) are conventionally produced by laser or traditional welding processes. In either case, the joints are created by solid-liquid-solid phase transformations that result in undesirable microstructures and tensile residual stresses detrimental to joint performance. This study investigates feasibility of an alternate joining process, friction stir welding (FSW). The joining of AA7075-T6 blanks of different thickness is investigated through FE analyses and controlled experiments. It is found that for a successful joint, the welding parameters have to be carefully designed so that the resulting metal flow and the temperature history during FSW are consistent for the two thicknesses.