Aging Weapons Systems Repair using Friction Stir Welding

摘要

Friction stir welding and processing (FSW&P) was identified in the FY07 Aging Aircraft Study conducted by the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as a technology that is ready to enter into a qualification process for use as standard repair technique on aging weapons systems. FSW has been widely investigated as a manufacturing process with successes reported in the commercial and government sectors; however, little is reported in the literature on the qualification of FSW&P for repair applications. Preliminary analysis in this study utilizing FSP for repair of several components showed technical feasibility. In addition, the demonstration of FSP to refurbish an actual part was successful. Radiographic inspection showed that the volumetric defects and fatigue cracking were processed from the candidate component. The study produced a cost benefits analysis which estimated $9.4M annual savings to the USAF alone for components repairable with FSW&P.