T. Bloodworth, P. A. Fleming, G. E. Cook, D. M. Wilkes, D. DeLapp, D. Lammlein, Welding Automation Laboratory Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; T. J. Lienert, M. Bement, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM; A. M. Strauss, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; T. Prater, Vanderbilt University, Clarksville, TN
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new welding method which is finding application in a number of industries including marine, aerospace, and transportation. Submerged friction stir welding involves under water. Submerged FSW offers potential for use as a welding method for under-water construction and for lower heat input with smaller recrystallized grain size. In our research, we compare FSW welds run submerged in water to welds of equivalent weld parameters run in the traditional fashion in air. The phenomena of hydrogen generation due to submerged FSW of aluminum is also discussed.
Summary: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a relatively new welding method which is finding application in a number of industries including marine, aerospace, and transportation. Submerged friction stir welding involves under water. Submerged FSW offers potential for use as a welding method for under-water construction and for lower heat input with smaller recrystallized grain size. In our research, we compare FSW welds run submerged in water to welds of equivalent weld parameters run in the traditional fashion in air. The phenomena of hydrogen generation due to submerged FSW of aluminum is also discussed.
