Exploiting friction stir welding in explosively-formed aluminium boat hull construction

摘要

The use of explosives to shape materials at high strain rates has been successfully applied to forming of aluminium yacht hulls. Butt-welded, light-gbauge marine-grade aluminium panels are placed over a vented mould and explosives are detonated under a water blanket to "wrap" the aluminium to the mould walls. The technique has also been used for the upper-bow section on larger craft to achieve a smooth compound-shaped bow above the waterline.