Abstract: A method of forming one or more TSP compacts is provided. The method includes placing one or more TSP material layers in an enclosure and surrounding each TSP material layer with at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates. The method also includes exposing the enclosure to a high temperature high pressure process wherein the at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates bond to the TSP material layers forming a stack of TSP material layers including the TSP material layers one over the other with tungsten carbide bonded to each of the TSP material layers and encapsulating each of the TSP material layers.

Abstract: A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more TSP compacts is provided. The method includes placing one or more TSP material layers in an enclosure and surrounding each TSP material layer with at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates. The method also includes exposing the enclosure to a high temperature high pressure process wherein the at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates bond to the TSP material layers forming a stack of TSP material layers including the TSP material layers one over the other with tungsten carbide bonded to each of the TSP material layers and encapsulating each of the TSP material layers.

Abstract: A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.

Abstract: Solid state processing is performed on a workpiece that operates alone or is a component of equipment used in various demanding, harsh and wearing environments in which failure of a product could compromise safety or the environment or otherwise result in significant cost for repair or replacement, wherein the solid state processing performed by using a tool capable of friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, or friction stir welding results in a workpiece that offers a longer life-cycle and/or improved performance and/or improved reliability as a result of the solid state processing.

Abstract: Solid state processing is performed on a workpiece by using a tool capable of friction stir processing, friction stir mixing, or friction stir welding, wherein solid state processing modifies characteristics of a workpiece while substantially maintaining a solid phase in some embodiments, allowing some elements to pass through a liquid phase in other embodiments, and wherein modified characteristics of the material include, but are not limited to, microstructure, macrostructure, toughness, hardness, grain boundaries, grain size, the distribution of phases, ductility, superplasticity, change in nucleation site densities, compressibility, expandability, coefficient of friction, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, magnetic properties, strength, radiation absorption, and thermal conductivity.