Friction stir welding of metal matrix composites having a metal matrix and reinforcing fibers

摘要

The present application relates to a method of making a fiber-reinforced component, which includes the following steps: providing a first composite member (112) having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; providing a second composite member (114) having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein; and joining the first member (112) to the second member (114) by friction stir welding along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in the composite members (112,114) before joining. Further, a fiber-reinforced component is defined, including first and second members (112,114) each having a metal matrix with reinforcing fibers distributed therein. The first member (112) is bonded to the second member (114) by a solid state bond along a predetermined joint path, such that an average volume fraction of the reinforcing fibers within the joint path is substantially the same as an average volume fraction thereof in remainder of the members (112,114).