Friction Stir Welding and Processing: A Sprinter's Start, A Marathoner's Finish

摘要

Since the inception of "Friction Stir Welding", technical progress has been rapid and significant. Most new technologies "flame out" within a short time as property limitations, scale-up, cost or other such difficulties are realized. This is not the case with Friction Stir Welding (FSW). FSW is here to stay and continues to expand as researchers and practitioners advance the technology and learn new and better ways to take advantage of the benefits associated with FSW. This manuscript will highlight some of the newest advances in FSW to the higher temperature materials such as Fe, Ti, and Ni base alloys. Further, the concept of "Friction Stir Processing" (FSP) as presented will illustrate how FSP can selectively alter and improve properties for improved structural integrity. Although brief, this summary illustrates the rapid advance and staying power of FSW and the associated FSP technology.