Comparison between FSW and bonded lap joints - A preliminary investigation
Difficult to weld aluminium alloys can be effectively joined by different alternative processes. Friction Stir Welding (FSW), among the solid-state processes and adhesive bonding represent two very attractive techniques. They allow the production of highly resistant joints avoiding the formation of the typical fusion weld defects. The aim of this work is to identify, analyse and compare the mechanical properties of AA6016 aluminium alloy joints made out of 1 mm thick sheets. FSW lap joints were and epoxy bonded joints were produced. Using the FSW results as benchmark, the overlap required in the bonded joint was identified to ensure the same static strength. Once the geometric configuration…
Comparative evaluation of the effect of the substrate thickness and inherent process defects on the static and fatigue performance of FSW and adhesive-bonded overlap-joints in an AA6016 alloy
Abstract This work aims at evaluating the mechanical performance of joints in an AA6016 alloy, manufactured by means of two alternative processes: friction stir welding and adhesive bonding. Given its wide use in industrial fields such as automotive and aeronautics, an overlap configuration of joints was selected for the study, and a specific method based on the overlap length evaluation has been developed to allow comparisons among the cases. Two substrate thicknesses are considered in order to vary the overall joint stiffness, and the effect of such geometrical parameter on the mechanical behavior of the joined system is experimentally investigated. The experimental findings highlight tha…