Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Metal: A Review

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding process which produces welds due to the compressive force contact of work pieces which are either rotating or moving relative to each other. The heat required to join different specimens is generated by heating due to friction at the interface. Application of Friction Stir Welding in aerospace industries is very broad. Rolls-Royce now uses friction welding processes for its modern Trent aero engines that drive the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787. In this paper, Friction Stir Welding of various dissimilar metals is reviewed. The microstructure, hardness, and flow characteristics are also reviewed.