Dimensional analysis and a potential classification algorithm for prediction of wear in friction stir welding of metal matrix composites

Tracie Prater, Chase Cox, Brian Gibson, Alvin M. Strauss, George E. Cook

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop a dimensionless parameter which can be used to estimate the amount of volumetric wear, a friction stir welding tool will experience in joining a metal matrix composite. Metal matrix composites are strong, lightweight materials consisting of a metal matrix (often an aluminum alloy) reinforced with ceramic particles or fibers. This study derives a dimensionless number based on three major process variables in friction stir welding: rotation speed, traverse speed, and length of weld. This number is correlated with wear data collected from experiments in which a steel friction stir welding tool was used to join Al 359/SiC/20p. The use of the dimensionless number as a classifier for tool condition is also evaluated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2759-2769
Number of pages11
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Volume226
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Friction stir welding
  • dimensional analysis
  • metal matrix composites
  • tool wear

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