Finite element modeling of grain growth by point tracking method in friction stir welding of AA6082-T6

Abstract

A thermo-mechanical re-meshing model of friction stir welding (FSW) process of AA6082-T6 is used with a point tracking method for the determination of the final locations of the particles. The relations between the field variables and the material flows in the FSW process are discussed. Then the grain sizes after recrystallization are calculated. The comparison with the numerical and the experimental results in published literatures shows the validity of the proposed model. Based on the Zener-Hollomon parameter, the effects of strain rate and temperature on recrystallization are further discussed.