Exploring the application domain of friction stir welding in aluminum and other alloys

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a new solid-state welding technique used to join similar and dissimilar materials, especially aluminium alloys. Friction stir (FS) welding proposes numerous benefits compared to conventional fusion welding techniques and can be successfully applied in shipbuilding, aerospace, automobile, and railway industries. This paper gives a comprehensive review of the FSW process and its technical aspects. The effects of tool pin profiles, feed rate, tool tilt angle and welding speed, etc., and mechanical and metallurgical behavior of FS welded joints have been reviewed in this article. In addition, this paper covers the literature review of friction stir welding of similar and dissimilar aluminum alloys (AA), optimization techniques, welding defects, and fatigue behavior of FS welded joints. Furthermore, a summarized report of work done by many researchers in friction stir welding is also presented. Finally, it also identifies the future scope, applications, and research gap.