K. Panneerselvam, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, ID, India; S. Aravindan, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi-110016, INDIA., NEW DELHI, India; A. Noorul Haq, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, India
ABSTRACT
Nowadays, friction stir welding process has been widely used for many applications in the area of space, aircraft, marine, fuel tank, food saving industry. In this paper authors discussed about Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process for Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) and a modified linear friction stir process to join Polymeric Matrix Composite (PMC). Metal Matrix Composite (Al-SiC) plates were successfully joined through FSW. Forces exhibited during FSW process were monitored and studied. Forces measured along the tool axis and weld direction were analyzed in detail with respect to process parameters and presented in this paper. This paper also analyzes the mechanical performance of the FSW processed MMC joints. The SEM microstructure of the MMC joints, fractured surface of tensile tested MMC specimen and MMC parent material were studied to understand the joining mechanism and fracture. Joining of PMC is an important step in the area of automotive industry, aerospace industry, construction industry, materials handling etc. therefore several joining methods for PMC products have been under investigation and development. Traditional joining technologies are not directly transferable to composites. Joining of PMC is needed to exploit the advantages of composite material completely. Rotary friction stir welding does pose problems such as delamination and fiber pull out during the rotary action of the tool. Hence, the tool was given a sliding movement with a small modification and good joints of polymeric composites were also processed. The processed joints were analyzed by mechanical and metallurgical methods. Results are discussed in detail.
Key words: Friction Stir Welding, MMC, PMC, Al-SiC, SEM
Summary: Author completed B.E.(Production Engineering) in R.E.C. Tiruchirappalli-620015, M.E.(Manufacturing Technology) in R.E.C. Tiruchirappalli-620015 and presently working for National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620015, as a Lecturer and doing research in “processing of thermoplastic composite” at National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli-620015. Author presented one in international journal, paper three paper in national journals, 12 papers in International conference and four papers in national Conference.
