Deformation analysis of a friction stir-welded thin sheet aluminum alloy joint
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Graphical Abstract
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Abstract
The deformation characteristics of a friction stir welded thin sheet aluminum alloy joint were analyzed via numerical simulations. The simulated results were compared with the experimental results obtained for the deformation of actual welded joints. The results revealed that the deformation of the joint was described by an asymmetric distribution with a large deformation region occurring mainly in the advancing side. This asymmetric deformation was mainly caused by the direct mechanical force applied by the welding tool to the workpiece. Furthermore, the deformation characteristics of the fixed points on both sides of the weld revealed that the deformation of the retreating side fluctuated significantly during the welding process. That is, the retreating side exhibited less welding stability than the advancing side. The stress distribution of the welded joint showed that a high stress region was formed at the end of the weld. In addition, the final stress distribution of the welded joint resulted mainly from the shear stress in the x-y direction.
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