Experimental study of effect of process parameters for heat generation in friction stir welding

In this study, experiments have been performed with three tools of cylindrical pin type for three sets of rotational speeds and feed rates, and the effect of processes parameters on heat generated at different zones of friction stir welded plate is examined. In friction stir welding, the base material is heated at elevated temperature for which heat generation is an important factor. Less heat reduces the rheology and mixing of material whereas more heat reduces the strength of the welded material. From this study, it was concluded that more heat is generated at higher tool rotation rate and tool shoulder diameter whereas less heat generate at high tool traverse speed. This study also reports the optimum tool shoulder diameter, rotational speed and transverse feed for having maximum joint strength. (paper)