Research progress on numerical simulation of temperature field in friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys

Abstract

Friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys is a solid-state joining technology. Affected by the temperature field and the physical properties between dissimilar metals, it may cause phase transformation in metals, and even produce intermetallic compounds, which affect the mechanical properties of the joint. This paper introduces the temperature equation and several numerical models relating to friction stir welding and summarizes the application and characteristics of numerical models in friction stir welding of dissimilar alloys. The heat source model can intuitively display temperature distribution and gradient changes, and can quickly verify the feasibility of welding parameters without mesh deformation problems. The solid mechanics model can obtain a coupled thermoplastic response, which can better adapt to temperature changes and material flow, but is not as accurate as the heat source model due to mesh deformation problems. The fluid mechanics model has higher mesh accuracy and can predict material flow, temperature distribution, and stress analysis. The temperature prediction accuracy is similar to that of the heat source model and higher than that of the solid mechanics model, but the information about stress and strain cannot be directly given.