Tilt Angle Effect on Friction Stir Welding Conditions

In this paper, the effect of tool tilt angle on heat generation and forging force for 1050 aluminum plates, welded by friction stir butt welding, were investigated. Usage of the welding tool with and without pin made it possible to elucidate the particularly reactions of the pin and shoulder on tilt angle variation. For this purpose, tool tilt angle was varied from 0⁰ to 3⁰ under other constant parameters, such as tool geometry and of tool traverse-rotation speed ratio. For the estimation shoulder work pieces interaction the Reynolds lubricant film theory equations were used. The results indicate that the tilt angle is an effective factor on material forging and heat generation behind the pin in the Advancing Side (AS). Recorded peak temperatures were varied from 312 °C to 442 °C in the weld centre.