G. Moore, Bombardier Aerospace - Shorts, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Summary:

Friction Stir Welded butt joints have been manufactured in both 2024-T3 and 2524-T3 in 3 different thicknesses – 0.063”, 0.100” and 0.140”. Tensile, S-N Fatigue, Open Hole Fatigue, Fatigue Crack Growth and Fracture Toughness testing has been performed to assess the performance of the welds against the parent properties and to assess if the property advantages available for 2524 in the parent alloy are maintained in the friction stir welds. As welded, surface skimmed and fully machined welds were included in the test programme.