On the friction stir welding of titanium alloys: Experimental measurements and FEM model fine tuning

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process patented in 1991 by TWI; initially adopted to weld aluminum alloys, is now being successfully used also for magnesium alloys, copper and steels. Recently, research is focusing on titanium alloys thanks to the high interest that such materials are getting from the industry as welding of titanium alloys by traditional fusion welding techniques presents several difficulties due to high material reactivity resulting in bonding with oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen with consequent embrittlement of the joint. In this way FSW represents a cost effective and high quality solution. The study of the temperatures reached at the varying of the …