A new method for measurement the residual stresses in friction stir welding

Abstract

Purpose: The residual stresses in different welding methods are fundemental problems to consider. Friction stir welding is one of a solid state joining process, it is economical in that it permits joining together different materials, the specimens in this method (FSW) have excellent properties of mechanical as proven by tensile, flextural and fatigue tests, also it is environmentally friendly process minimizes consumption of energy and generate no gasses or smoke. In friction stir welding , there are two kinds of generated residual stresses: tensile stress and compressive stress. So, this study measuring the residual stresses by using a new method for measuring residual stresses depends on tensile testing and stress concentration factor, this method is a simple, fast and low cost, also it is not need special device. Design/methodology/approach: In previous studies, several techniques were used to predict the value of residual stress and its location, such as destructive, semi-destructive, and non-destructive methods. In this study, a simple, new, and inexpensive way was used based on the tensile test and stress concentration of the friction stir welding (FSW). Findings: By comparing the results obtained with the previous studies using the X-ray method, with the current research, it was found that the results are good in detecting the location and value of the residual stress of friction stir welding. The value of discrepancy of the residual stress in the results between those obtained by the previous method and the current method was about 3 MPa. Research limitations/implications: There are many rotational and linear feeding speeds used in this type of welding. This research used two plates from 6061 AA with 3mm thickness, 100 mm width, and 200 mm length. The rotational speed used in friction stir welding was 1400 rpm, and the feeding speed was 40 mm/min. Practical implications: The residual stress obtained with the new method is 6.2 MPa, and this result approximates other known methods such as the X-ray method in previus studies. Originality/value: Using a new simple method for measuring residual stresses of friction stir welding depends on stress concentration factor and tensile testing. This method is fast and low cost , also it is not need specialized device, compared to other methods such as x-ray or hole drilling methods.