Journal of Welding and Joining

: Journal of KWJS. 2011;29(5):63-71. Published online November 22, 2011.; Temperature Behavior in Dissimilar Butt Joint During TIG Assisted Friction Stir Welding; HeeSeon Bang, M.S. Bijoy

Abstract:   Three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed to study the temperature distribution phenomenon of TIG assisted friction stir welding (TAFSW) between dissimilar plates (Al 6061-T6 and stainless steel 304). TAFSW is a solid-state welding process that integrates TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) into a friction stir welding (FSW), to preheat the harder material ahead of FSW tool during welding. In order to facilitate the industrial application of welding, 3D numerical modeling of heat transfer has been carried out applying Finite Element Method (FEM). The temperature distribution due to heat generation during TAFSW on dissimilar materials joint is analysed using in-house solver. Moving heat source along with frictional heat between the work specimens and tool surface is considered to calculate the heat input. The analytical model used predicts successfully the maximum welding temperatures that occur on the dissimilar materials during TAFSW. Comparison with the infra red camera and thermocouple measurement results shows that the results from the current numerical simulation have good agreement with the measured data.

Keywords :Friction stir welding;Dissimilar material;Preheating;Heat conduction;Thermocouple;Temperature distribution