APPLYING FRICTION STIR WELDING TO THE ARIANE 5 MAIN MOTOR THRUST FRAME

摘要

Fokker Space developed and is responsible for delivery of the motor thrust frame on the cryogenic main stage of the Ariane 5 launcher. It is essentially an unpressurised conical structure consisting of many integrally machined Aluminium 7075 alloy parts interconnected by the extensive use of manually installed Hi-lok~(tm) fasteners. For ease of manufacture and assembly, the majority of parts interconnect by lap joints. The increasing international competition in the commercial launcher market is directly linked to the demand from Arianespace that the European Space industry delivers future Ariane 5 launchers at substantially reduced cost. This in turn has led Fokker Space to pursue a vigorous programme to bring cost cutting production processes to full maturity. This programme includes friction stir welding (FSW).