Investigations on the joint properties of the friction welding of aluminium alloy tube to tube plate using an external tool

Abstract

Purpose: Aluminium and its alloys are frequently used in structural applications due to their good welding ability as well as their high strength and corrosion resistance. Several developments have been observed on the welding of aluminium in last decade. The manufacturing of heat exchangers, economizers and boilers is highly cost progress due to tube to tube plate welding’s. The purpose of this study is investigation of friction weldability of tube to tube plate aluminium alloys using an external tools (FWTPET) which is a relatively newer solid state welding process used for joining tube to tube plate. Design/methodology/approach: First, preliminary experiments were carried out to determining suitable the tool rotational speed, pressure load and temperature. An experimental setup has been designed and manufactured to keep the pressure load constant during the preliminary tests. Then, by changing the weld mouth on the plate, the gap between the tube and the plate, and the tube projection parameters, the effects of all parameters on shear strength values, micro hardness values and the formation of internal structure of the weld zone were investigated. Findings: It was founded that aluminium tubes can successfully weld to tube plates with using an external tools. Also it is seen that vertical force between tool and sample, tube protection and temperature are very important parameters which are effect of welded joint properties. Practical implications: FWTPET which is new welding method has been used in industrial field in last few years. Originality/value: In the beginnings studies concentrate on non-ferrous metals such as Al, Cu, Mg etc. So this studies on FWTPET have remarkable importance. © by International OCSCO World Press. All rights reserved.