Numerical Simulation of Transient Temperature and Stresses During Friction Stir Welding of AA 7075 T651

Abstract

A three-dimensional finite element model has been developed by using ANSYS APDL to study of transient temperature distribution and von Mises stresses during friction stir welding of AA 7075 T651. A cylindrical tool on the workpiece is created. A pilot node has defined on the tool for governing the rotational and translational speed of the tool. Heat is generated due to frictional contact and plastic deformation of the workpiece. Temperature-dependent material properties and friction coefficient were considered in this model. The cooling effect caused by the free convection in ambient air, backing plate and clamping bar is taken into account. It has been observed that temperature profile below the moving tool is an oval shape. It had also observed that the maximum value of von Mises stress has little variation during welding.