Study of friction stir spot welding on AA6063 aluminium alloy used in the ship building industry

Resumo

Friction stir spot welding (FSSW) is a novel process of metal joining. In the present work, the authors
analysed the possibility of using this process to solve current problems in shipbuilding industry regarding
small vessels by replacing the current arc welding techniques with the aforementioned process. Numerical
simulation was carried out by the multiple purpose solver framework for Finite Element Method with a novel
modelling approach. The problem was solved using a coupled mechanics system of equations in an
axisymmetric continuum where material velocities were calculated in three dimensions, coupled with
pressure and thermal fields. The heat source was calculated as a consequence of internal friction dissipation
only. Two boundary conditions were analysed, adiabatic and with heat dissipation. Experimental welding
tests were performed using a milling machine. Comparison between numerical modelling results and
experimental FSSW testing results was done and analysed in detail.
Keywords: FSSW, finite element method, axisymmetric, shipbuilding industry.