Numerical Analysis of Multi-Field Coupled Phenomena in Friction Stir Welding and Applications

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an advanced solid state joining technology, which was invented by TWI in 1991. During the process, large amount of heat is generated due to the friction between the tool and the material. As a result, the metal around the tool is softened as the temperature rises, and significant plastic flow occurs. So FSW is a complex process with multi-field coupled phenomena. Material flow plays a central role in FSW. But it is still difficult to reveal the material flow regime and joining mechanism during FSW process. Numerical simulation is a powerful tool for investigating the metal-flow-related complex phenomena during FSW. Meanwhile, numerical simulation could also help to optimize FSW tool design and FSW parameters. In this paper, we review the recent development in simulation of material flow during FSW. Then, the important issues in modeling multi field coupled phenomena during FSW are summarized, which include the heat generation mechanism, the temperature and strain rate dependent material’s behavior, and the interaction between tool and material. Finally, a comprehensive simulation model is presented, which enables advanced study on the coupled phenomena of heat generation, temperature distribution, material flow, and defects formation. This model has shown potential applications in simulating the relation between the transport of material and the macrostructure formation or defects formation. In spite of these progresses, simulation of material flow during FSW still need quite a lot of researches to fulfill industry requirement.