Publication

Abstract : Friction stir processing (FSP) is a recent solid-state technique that has been successfully used for surface engineering. The microstructural modification and residual stress-induced, and hence the properties of the material processed depend on the thermal history and material flow during FSP. The process parameters adopted influence the thermal history and the material flow during FSP. Hence investigating the effect of the process parameters can aid in better understanding and optimization of the process. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element based transient thermal model is used to predict the thermal history during friction stir processing of AA5052. The parameters namely tool rotation speed, tool traverse speed, and shoulder diameter are varied according to a predefined experimental design. The finite element model is used to predict the thermal history for different parameter combinations. The numerical model results are used to develop a regression model and investigate the influence of process parameters on the thermal history.