Assessing the Friction Stir Welding Process With Mathematical Modeling

Patented in 1991, friction stir welding (FSW) has since been used widely to create strong joints in aluminum alloys. The aircraft industry has started to adapt this technology, and now the largest manufacturers, including Airbus, are studying how to cut manufacturing costs with it. First, though, they want mathematical modeling to help them fully understand the process before making massive investments in retooling their manufacturing lines.