Effects of pin thread on the in-process material flow behavior during friction stir welding: A computational fluid dynamics study

Pin thread is one of the most common geometrical features for the friction stir welding (FSW) tools. The main purpose of employing the pin thread is to improve the in-process material flow behaviors during FSW. However, it has not been fully understood how exactly the pin thread influences the material flow because of the lack of in-process observation. In this study, we aim to analyze the effect of pin thread on the in-process material flow during FSW of an Al-Mg-Zn alloy by using numerical simulation based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In our numerical simulation, the transient rotation of the threaded pin is implemented explicitly via fully transient control of the zone motion, and the mechanical interaction at the tool-workpiece interface is considered via the recent developed shear-stress-based frictional boundary condition. The numerical simulation has been validated by the experimental measured temperatures at 8 different locations, the distribution of marker materials and the geometry of deformation zone in the weld. Based on the numerical simulation results, three effects of the pin thread on the material flow have been elucidated. First, accelerated flow velocity and enhanced strain rate is induced owing to the use of the pin thread, which is attributed to the fact that the interfacial sticking is preferable inside the thread groove opening. Second, the pin thread has an effect to trap material in the high-velocity zone inside the thread groove opening, which causes a many-circle flow pattern around the threaded pin. Third, the pin thread contributes to a vertical pressure gradient, which is important for the in-process material transfer from the top to the bottom. The approaches and concepts in this study can be applied for further fundamental investigation of FSW and the computer aided design of the welding tools. •The effect of pin thread on the material flow in FSW is analyzed by CFD simulation.•Three effects of the pin thread on the material flow have been elucidated.•First, accelerated flow velocity and enhanced strain rate is induced by the thread.•Second, the pin thread has an effect to trap material inside the thread groove.•Third, the pin thread contributes to a vertical pressure gradient.