Abstract
In recent years, the development of innovative joining methods has increased significantly due to the demands of several industries, such as the naval one, for lightweight structures. In fact, the safeguarding of the sea takes place through the reduction of climate-altering gas emissions, which is induced by energy savings. The latter can be achieved by the adoption of innovative technological solutions inherent to both the manufacturing processes and the increase in the use of light alloys. These solutions can reduce the environmental impact of vessels both in refitting operations and in new buildings. Although its potential in producing effective joints of different materials, the Friction Stir Welding process is still poorly used in the naval field due to difficulties in welding dissimilar joints of thick plates. In this paper, Friction Stir Welding was used to produce joints, in lap configuration, out of two very different, yet widely used in the naval sector, materials. This research work focuses on the engineering of the process, in terms of identification of welding parameters aimed at welding AA5083 H321 aluminum alloy and naval steel grade DH 36 plates with a thickness of 6mm. The results obtained indicate that sound joints can be obtained with a reasonably wide process parameters window when the aluminum plate is placed on top of the steel one.
Highlights
The naval industry is a sector that involves the engineering of complicated structures, with sophisticated designs capable of enhancing the entire boat performance
The specific weight of aluminum is lower than the one of steel, indicating that a vessel made of aluminum alloy will have a significantly lower weight
The FSW experimental tests were performed on shipbuilding steel DH36 and aluminum alloy AA5083 H321 plates, both having thickness of 6 mm
Summary
The naval industry is a sector that involves the engineering of complicated structures, with sophisticated designs capable of enhancing the entire boat performance. From the point of view of designers, the increase of interest towards light weight and highly resistant alloys to build ship hulls is mainly dictated by the possibility of a significant reduction in structural weight of the entire vehicle. This favors the movement of the vessel at higher speeds or a reduction in fuel consumption contributing eventually to a reduction in pollutants. The main welding parameters and the geometry of the tool were varied and their effect on the main mechanical properties of the obtained joints was evaluated identifying a proper process window
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