| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T23: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Advanced Joining Technologies for Automotive Lightweight Structures
|
| Presentation Title |
The Role of Material Selection and Thermal Cycling on Tool Life in Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding |
| Author(s) |
Michael Eff, Rafael Giorjao, Arnold Wright, Dave Hofferbert |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Michael Eff |
| Abstract Scope |
Resistance spot welding can join limited thicknesses and aluminum alloys. An alternative without these limitations is refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW). The barrier to implementation of RFSSW is the life of the toolsets. Current tool materials are either too brittle and cannot withstand the repeated thermal cycling of the process or wears too quickly due to both abrasive and adhesive wear.
This program focuses on generation of a thermal model for RFSSW and using of the model to evaluate the result thermal gradients within the RFSSW toolset. The model was used to select and test tool materials, including H13, Ferrous-based metal matrix composites, and tungsten-based alloys. The thermal gradients and overall thermal history of the toolsets was then used to estimate the build of intermetallic compound between the H13 toolset and aluminum substrate. Initial experimental tool life studies results will be shared. |