Bombardier Aerospace FSW demonstrator

Abstract

The development of Friction Stir Joining as a new class of fastening technologies promises to open new design possibilities. The ability to join large components into a unitized structure or super panels offers the potential of reducing the number of manufacturing processes; leading to reduced build times, all the while achieving weight savings; a natural for reducing aircraft production and operational CO2 footprint. Over five years ago a mutli-site Friction Stir Welding project was launched within Bombardier Aerospace to examine these potentials. Fundamental to the project was the advancement of the technology readiness level from then current levels to near production levels presently on our full family of aircraft products; business, regional and mainline feeder. To that end, butt weld and lap weld were principally investigated.