Abstract: In a frictional spot joining where plural metal members lapping over are jointed with a joining device comprising a rotating tool, a receiving tool disposed on a rotational axis of the rotating tool and a drive device to rotate and move the rotating tool in a pushing direction, a holding member is provided on a side of the receiving tool, which has a restriction portion to restrain a movement of the receiving tool in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the joining device is moved by a moving device such that the receiving tool is disposed at the restriction portion. Accordingly, the rotational runout of the rotating tool can be restrained effectively with a simple structure of a properly small-sized rotating tool and receiving tool.

Abstract: In the friction stir joining apparatus of the present invention, a rotation control unit variably controls a rotational speed of a rotor; and a straight movement control unit controls a straight movement of the rotor so as to control a pressure applied by the rotor to the object. The tip portion of the rotating rotor is pressed against a workpiece, thus spot joining is executed. The apparatus can execute frictional stirring joining without practical trouble under simple control.

Abstract: A method of welding that realizes enhancements of airtightness and watertightness at weld area: and a method of welding and method of friction stir welding that attain an enhancement of welding operation efficiency/speed. There is provided a method of welding comprising the first primary welding step of carrying out a friction stir welding on the abutting portion (J1) of metal members (1,1) from the surface (12) side of metal member (1) and the second primary welding step of carrying out a friction stir welding on the abutting portion (J1) from the reverse face (13) side of the member (1), wherein in the second primary welding step, the friction stir welding is performed while penetrating a stirring pin (B2) of rotation tool (B) in plasticized region (W1) formed in the first primary welding step.

Abstract: A friction stir welding (FSW) apparatus has an FSW tool adapted for joining work pieces supportable against a backing anvil. The FSW apparatus comprises a pair of clamping rollers maintained in substantially perpendicular relationship to the backing anvil as the FSW tool moves along the tool path. A roller pivot joint of the FSW apparatus maintains a cylindrical roller outer surface of each clamping roller in substantially parallel relationship to the top sides of the work pieces. The roller pivot joint may include a gimballing roller bearing to which the clamping roller is mounted. The roller bearing is universally movable in a variety of directions to maintain the perpendicular relationship of the clamping rollers relative to the backing anvil.

Abstract: A shaft-gear connection and method for producing the connection which includes a shaft (2) and a shrunk-on gear (4). The gear (4) has a first axial section (5) attached to the shaft (2) by a first shrink-fit (8) and a second axial section (6) attached to the shaft (2) by a second shrink-fit (9). The second shrink-fit (9) allows greater torques to be transmitted from the gear (4) to the shaft (2) than the first shrink-fit (8). An intermediate axial section (7) of the gear (4), attached to the shaft (2) by a third shrink-fit (10), is located between the first and second axial sections (5, 6). The torque transmitted from the gear (4) to the shaft (2) by the third shrink-fit (10) is greater than the first shrink-fit (8) but smaller than the second shrink-fit (9). The connection allows greater torque to be transmitted without increasing the risk of damaging the external gearing.

Abstract: Under one step of one embodiment of a solid state method for joining structures, angled edges of at least two structures are disposed adjacent to one another. In another step, a plurality of angled joining members are disposed adjacent to one another between the adjacent angled edges of the at least two structures. In still another step, the angled joining members are welded between the adjacent angled edges of the at least two structures. In yet another step, at least one hole is formed into and extended between adjacent edges of the welded angled joining members. In an additional step, a plug member is forced at least partially into the at least one hole.

Abstract: A clinching method includes establishing a first layer on a second layer. The first layer has an aperture formed therein and is thinner than the second layer. A rotating punch is engaged with the second layer through the aperture in the first layer, thereby generating frictional heat and softening the second layer. The rotating punch is configured with at least a first diameter, a shoulder, and a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The rotating punch is pressed into the softened second layer, thereby causing at least some of the second layer to: back extrude through an annulus defined by the aperture in the first layer and at least one of the diameters of the punch; contact the shoulder of the rotating punch; and extend onto a surface of the first layer adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: In a first step, a roof panel and a front header are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at a front-end frictional joint area, and the roof panel and a rear header are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at a rear-end frictional joint area. The roof panel and a side roof rail are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at left-side and right-side frictional joint areas. Subsequently, in a second step, the members are joined at the plural rivet joint portions at a border area of the above-described joint areas, and the members are joined at plural rivet joints at a bounder area of the above-described joint areas. Accordingly, there can be provided a joining method and structure of metal members that can properly reduce deformation due to a thermal strain.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body, at least one leg extending downward from the bit body, a journal on each leg, and a roller cone mounted on each journal. A ball race is configured between each journal and roller cone, and a plurality of retention balls is disposed within each ball race. A ball hole extends from the back face of each leg to the ball race, and a ball hole plug fits within the ball hole. The ball hole plug is secured to the leg by a friction stir weld.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit includes a bit body and at least one leg extending downward from the bit body. Each leg includes an outer surface, a ball hole plug located in the outer surface, a shoulder, a shirttail, and a roller cone rotatably mounted to the leg. The outer surface of each leg is surface processed by friction stirring.

Abstract: An apparatus for friction stir welding is described that includes a stationary assembly having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inner diameter, and a rotational assembly having a welding end. At least the welding end of the rotational assembly extends through the bore. A portion of the rotational assembly is adjacent the inner diameter of the bore. At least one of the adjacent portion of the rotational assembly and the inner diameter of the stationary assembly are configured such that rotation of the rotational assembly will cause plasticized material from a welding process that has entered an area between the adjacent portion and the inner diameter to move towards a welding zone located proximate the welding end.

Abstract: An airplane wing has a lower wing cover, an upper wing cover and a wing spar. A first end portion of the wing spar is welded to the lower wing cover and/or a second end portion of the wing spar is welded to the upper wing cover.

Abstract: A hollow structure, and a method of forming the hollow structure, where the hollow structure includes first and second metal parts, the second metal part having an interior surface and a tapered support member extending from the interior surface. The hollow structure also includes a friction stir welded joint that extends through the first metal part and into the tapered support member.

Abstract: The invention is a welding tool used in a friction-stir welding apparatus for welding a plurality of members to be welded. The welding tool includes: a tool holder having a front end and a base end, the base end being held by the friction-stir welding apparatus so as to be driven to rotate and move by the friction-stir welding apparatus; and a welding unit of a wear resistant material adapted to be removably mounted on the front end of the tool holder, the welding unit mounted on the front end of the tool holder being immersed into a part of the members to be welded during a friction-stir welding.

Abstract: A preform and method for forming a structural assembly are provided. The preform can be formed by friction welding structural members to a base member and subsequently providing a connection material to join the structural members. The resulting preform can be formed with dimensions and a configuration that approximate the dimensions and configuration of the structural assembly. Thus, the structural assembly can be formed by joining multiple members that are generally smaller than the finished assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a sputtering target assembly bonded to a backing plate. The method includes bonding a target (100) to a high strength backing plate (110) and further creating a vacuum seal between the target and the backing plate using friction stir welding processes.

Abstract: This invention provides a configuration of a joint that allows a satisfactory welded joint to be formed with reduced deformation of the joint region when two-face structures (panels) are friction-welded end to end. The panels 31, 32 each have two substantially parallel plates 33, 34 and a third member 35 connecting the two plates 33, 34. The end portions of the plates 33, 34 of one panel 32 are friction-welded to the end portions of the plates 33, 34 of the other panel 32. At least one of the panels has a plate 36 at its end for connecting the plates 33 and 34 and has a rigidity to support a pressing force produced during the friction welding.

Abstract: In the friction stir joining apparatus of the present invention, a rotation control unit variably controls a rotational speed of a rotor; and a straight movement control unit controls a straight movement of the rotor so as to control a pressure applied by the rotor to the object. The tip portion of the rotating rotor is pressed against a workpiece, thus spot joining is executed. The apparatus can execute frictional stirring joining without practical trouble under simple control.

Abstract: A method for applying a wear reducing material to a tool used in a wellbore operation that includes welding a hardfacing alloy to a surface of the tool, wherein the welding comprises friction stirring the alloy into the tool's surface is disclosed. Methods of welding a preformed sleeve or width of wear reducing material using friction stirring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating a wear reducing material welded to a surface of a tool used in a wellbore operation that includes friction stirring the wear reducing material into the surface of the tool is disclosed. Method for improving the properties of a wear reducing material on a tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A friction stirring-welding method capable of increasing the welding strength of a lap joint. A welding tool (1) comprises a small diameter projected part (2) at the tip of a shoulder (3). The welding tool is press-fitted to the upper plate (4) of the lap joint while being rotated. By a friction stirring action, an upper plate side welding boundary surface (6) plastically flows, a surface oxidation film on a lapped surface is peeled off, and the boundary surface is activated to provide an excellent welding part. Also, since the welding tool is formed in a shape having the small diameter semispherical projected part (2) at the tip thereof, the thickness (12) of an upper plate welding part is increased, and a lap joint part with high welding strength can be provided.

Abstract: A probe for friction stir welding MMCs, ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and superalloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys, the probe including a shank, a shoulder, and a pin disposed through the shoulder and into the shank, wherein the pin and the shoulder at least include a coating comprised of a superabrasive material, the pin and shoulder being designed to reduce stress risers, disposing a collar around a portion of the shoulder and the shank to thereby prevent movement of the shoulder relative to the shank, and incorporating thermal management by providing a thermal flow barrier between the shoulder and the shank, and between the collar and the tool.

Abstract: A rotary tool for friction stir spot welding including: a rod-like probe to be inserted into one side of stacked planar portions of plural metal members to be joined while being rotated; and a cylindrical shoulder member which is disposed coaxially outwardly of the probe and which has a shoulder surface to be abutted against the one side of the stacked portions while being rotated, wherein the probe and the shoulder member are individual components and are disposed so as to have a double-acting structure which enable them to move independently in their axial direction, and in which a gap between an inner surface of the shoulder member and an outer surface of the probe is formed to have a small gap on a tip side of the rotary tool and to have an enlarged gap having larger clearance than the small gap on a base portion side thereof.

Abstract: Provided are strain hardened high strength nickel based alloy welds that yield improved properties and performance in joining high strength metals. The advantageous weldments include two or more segments of ferrous or non-ferrous components, and fusion welds, friction stir welds, electron beam welds, laser beam welds, or a combination thereof bonding adjacent segments of the components together, wherein the welds comprise a strain hardened nickel based alloy weld metal composition including greater than or equal to 10 wt % Mo based on the total weight of the nickel based alloy weld metal composition. Also provided are methods for forming the welds from the nickel based alloy weld compositions. The strain hardened high strength nickel based alloy welds are useful in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry in applications for natural gas transportation and storage, oil and gas well completion and production, and oil and gas refinery and chemical plants.

Abstract: An inertia friction welding process comprises: a) providing first and second work pieces to be welded together; b) imparting motion to the first work piece relative to the second work piece thereby imparting kinetic energy to the first work piece relative to the second work piece; c) applying a predetermined force to move one or both of the first and second work pieces towards the other to create an upset length in the work pieces; characterized by; d) measuring the rate of motion of the first work piece relative to the second work piece; e) determining a predicted final upset length from the said measured rate of relative motion and said forth; f) comparing the predicted final upset length with a desired final upset length; g) adjusting the aforesaid kinetic energy to achieve substantially the desired final upset length.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of welding sputtering target tiles to form a large sputtering target. Embodiments of a sputtering target assembly with welded sputtering target tiles are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a structure for joining members suited for reinforcement of a shape. An auxiliary member 7 is inserted into holes 9a and 9b of first and second portions 8a and 8b of the main member 6, respectively, such that the tip and base ends of the member 7 extend outwardly through the holes. The joining tool 5 is pushed, while being rotated, against the tip end of the auxiliary member 7, so that the material of the auxiliary member 7 softened due to frictional heat and plastic flow is deformed and pushed inside the main member 6 via the hole 9b. Then, the joining tool 5 is released from the main member 6 to allow into solidification the plastic flow portion of the auxiliary member 7. Further, the joining tool 5 is pushed, while being rotated, against the base end of the auxiliary member 7, so that the material of the auxiliary member 7 softened due to frictional heat and plastic flow is deformed and is pushed inside the main member 6 via the hole 9a.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a friction stir welding tool cleaning method and apparatus for fixed and retractable pin tools. The method and apparatus use a heating component, a temperature indicator component, a controller component, and a rotatable tool cleaner component for cleaning fixed pin tools. An additional bore cleaner component is used for cleaning retractable pin tools. Heat is applied to a friction stir welding tool having a surface with weld process residue material until the process residue material is sufficiently plasticized, and then the tool cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue on the pin and shoulder surfaces of the tool, and for retractable pin tools, the bore cleaner component is applied to the heated tool to remove the plasticized residue in the tool bore.

Abstract: A friction stir welding apparatus has a novel tool-in-tool construction where a friction stir welding pin tool extends through a center bore of a friction stir welding shoulder tool and is moveable axially and rotationally relative to the shoulder tool. The pin tool and shoulder tool both have their own dedicated tool holders and spindles that enable the tools to rotate and move axially relative to each other and enable easy replacement of each of the tools.

Abstract: A process for friction stir welding at least a first part made of metal alloy A with at least a second part made of a dissimilar metal alloy B, in which the first and second parts are placed side by side, and a joint is made between the first and second parts using a rotating tool moving at a speed referred to as the travel speed. The tool travel speed has at least two alternated modes in continuous service, a first mode wherein a first average travel speed S1 and a second mode wherein a second average travel speed S2 is used, the speeds S1 and S2 being significantly different, typically at least 30% of the highest travel speeds, with the slowest advance speed being zero. The assemblies welded according to the invention are particularly advantageous for the fabrication of panels or structural sections used in the manufacture of transport vehicles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional printed circuit board comprising at least one additional functional element in the form of a round or rectangular conductor which is at least partially fastened on an electrically conducting strip conductor structure by ultrasound or friction welding in a mechanical and electrical and thermally conducting and planar manner and in such a fashion that an intermetal compound is formed. The invention also relates to a method for producing said printed circuit board, to its use as a wiring element for complex structures that is suitable for high current conduction and to uses for a specific thermal management.

Abstract: A method of friction welding comprises providing a first workpiece (24) having a first weld surface (38) and a second workpiece (26) having a second weld surface (40). The first workpiece (24) is arranged such that it tapers away from the first weld surface (38), the first workpiece (24) converges in a direction away from the first weld surface (38). The first and second workpieces (24, 26) are arranged such that the first weld surface (38) abuts the second weld surface (40). The first and second workpieces (24, 26) are oscillated relative to each other such that at least one of the weld surfaces (38, 40) of at least one of the workpieces (24, 26) moves relative to the other weld surface (40, 38) of the other workpiece (26, 24) such that the temperature increases at the weld surfaces (38, 40) to create a weld interface (42). The oscillation is stopped and the first and second weld surfaces (38, 40) are allowed to cool to weld the first and second workpieces (24, 26) together.

Abstract: A problem of FSW spot-welding is that a bonding strength tends to be low, since an area of metallic bonding is limited to the neighborhood of a pin portion of the welding tool. In order to solve the problem, after a tool (1) is inserted into a member (4) to be welded, a rotation shaft of the welding tool is tilted around a predetermined point (13) as a fulcrum, and the tip portion of the welding tool (1) is swung to enlarge a plastic flow area caused by rotation of the tool. As a result, the welding strength can be increased.

Abstract: Friction stir welding (FSW) processes, systems and the resulting friction stir welded components are disclosed whereby first and second workpieces are welded to one another using a first workpiece having mutually orthogonal structural components and a junction region therebetween which defines a bearing surface of predetermined geometry. A shoulder of a FSW tool may be brought into bearing contact with the bearing surface so that a pin extending from the shoulder of the FSW tool may be advanced into and through the one structural component of the first workpiece at an angle relative thereto so as to thereby form a friction stir weld region between the first and second workpieces. Some preferred embodiments will provide a bearing surface which defines an arcuately concave geometry, in which case the shoulder of the FSW tool defines an arcuately convex geometry conformably mateable with the bearing surface.

Abstract: A device for use with a welding apparatus, such as a friction stir spot welding (FSSW) apparatus, that maintains work pieces in a generally flat or flush orientation during a welding operation. The device can be mounted to the operable end of an FSSW apparatus so that it exerts a stabilizing force against an upper work piece. The stabilizing force exerted by the device prevents the upper work piece from deflecting when the rotating tool of the FSSW apparatus passes through the upper work piece and penetrates into the lower work piece. In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a housing component that slidably receives a movable component under the force of a biasing component.

Abstract: A method for joining a cast metal material blade ring having therein an initial interior ring passageway formed by a ring interior wall thereabout and a metal material hub structure, having therein a disk part thereof with a disk side configured such that at least a portion of a disk side is positionable against a portion of the ring interior wall so as to be assembleable into an assembled structure for a turbine rotor through mounting one of the blade ring and the hub structure in a holder and also mounting the remaining one of the blade ring and the hub structure in a rotation holder for being rotated by a rotatable portion of that rotation holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction welded part which can be easily designed, a suspension rod formed of the friction welded part, and a joining method. A friction welded part (1) is formed by friction welding a first member (10) at least whose first joining portion is formed into a cylindrical shape, and a second member (20) having an appropriate shape. The second joining portion (21) of the second member (20) is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape corresponding to the first joining portion (10A), and the inside of the cylinder is formed into a curved surface continuing from the cylindrical inner wall portion (21C) to the bottom portion (21B), and the first joining portion (10A) of the first member (10) and the second joining portion (21) of the second member (20) are joined by friction welding.

Abstract: In an assembly of facing metal sheets separated by a polymer layer, welded metallurgical bonds are formed between the metal sheets by use of a friction stir weld tool. A rotating tool penetrates the first sheet, locally displaces the encountered portion of polymer film and penetrates into the second sheet. The affected metal of the two sheets is momentarily plasticized and stirred, and the plasticized metal of the two sheets combines to form a weld between the metal sheets. The interposed polymer film may be intended to serve as an adhesive or a vibration damping medium or the like. The facing metal sheets can be layers of facing laminated metal sheet structures that each comprise two metal sheets bonded by an adhesive interlayer.

Abstract: A friction stir welding system that enables clamping of a pipe to enable friction stir welding around the pipe OD, a movable mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe by a tool, and a system for providing friction stir welding and repair inside a nuclear vessel in an underwater environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining at least two aircraft fuselage segments (2, 3) by friction stir welding with a tool (8) generating friction heat for the partial plasticisation of an edge region (6, 7) of at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments and a counter bearing (10) for absorbing the force exerted by the tool (8) on at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments, wherein at least one of the two aircraft fuselage segments comprises at least one rib (17) and/or one stringer (16). In order to minimise the necessary expense incurred in association with the production aids for the FSW process, it is proposed that the at least one rib (17) and/or the at least one stringer (16) of the at least one aircraft fuselage segment (2, 3) should be used as a counter bearing (10).

Abstract: Embodiments in the present invention provide a system and method of joining structural members. This method involves aligning the first structural member to a metallic substrate when the first structural member has at least one tapered hole or cavity. A metallic or other like material suitable to cold spraying technology is deposited into the tapered cavity to form a shaped or tapered fastener bonded to the metallic substrate. The shape of the fastener secures the first structural member to the metallic substrate. Additionally, a protective insert may be placed within the shaped or tapered cavity to protect the first structural member during hoe cold spraying deposition when the first structural member is a composite material or other like material susceptible to erosion during the cold spraying technique.

Abstract: A linear friction welding head apparatus for dual axis forging, the apparatus including three sets of orthogonal actuators for providing X-, Y-, and Z-planes of apparatus movement for providing Y-axis oscillation, a first forge load along a first forge axis, and a second forge load along a second forge axis. A method for dual axis forging for welding including providing a welding head for applying first and second forge loads along X- and Z-forge axes to weld at more than one interface. The forge loads may be applied at right angles to each other and have magnitudes corresponding to weld interface length.

Abstract: A joined body has a joint, which includes a first plate-shaped workpiece made of a first metal, and a second plate-shaped workpiece made of a second metal. The first plate-shaped workpiece, and the second plate-shaped workpiece are overlapped each other partially at least. The joint is made by means of friction stir joining by superimposing a rod-shaped body made of a third metal onto the overlapped first plate-shaped workpiece and second plate-shaped workpiece and then rotating it while pressing it onto the first plate-shaped workpiece. The joint further includes a coalesced section made of the first metal that coalesces on a surface of the second plate-shaped workpiece, a built-up section made of the third metal, and a composite section made of a mixture of the first metal and the third metal that integrates the coalesced section with the built-up section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enhancing a fatigue strength of a burr toe portion in the vicinity of a friction welded joint with burrs, so that the fatigue strength in the vicinity of the friction welded joint with burrs becomes equivalent to or superior to the strengths of the base bodies of the metallic members, the friction welded joint being obtained by welding two metallic members together by a friction welding technique. The present invention provides the method of enhancing the fatigue strength of the burr toe portion of the friction welded joint with burrs obtained by welding the two metallic members together by the friction welding technique, wherein the method includes a step of projecting shots to the burr toe portion under a given condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring loads on a rotating friction stir welding tool of a friction stir welding machine. The apparatus includes a frame that can be connected to the friction stir welding machine, and rollers rotatably connected to the frame are structured to contact and rotate with the friction stir welding tool. Each roller is adapted to adjust in a respective direction and communicate with a respective load cell so that the load cells detect a positional characteristic of the rollers and measure loads applied to the rotating friction stir welding tool during operation. The rollers can contact the rotating tool directly during operation of the machine, such as while the rotating tools is being moved through a workpiece to form a friction stir weld joint, to measure the loads on the tool in the direction of movement of the tool and a direction normal to the movement, i.e., the path and path normal directions.

Abstract: A method for forming an aluminum alloy article having improved mechanical properties using a solid-state joining process in which the problem of ductility reduction is minimized by conducting a thermal exposure treatment prior to solution heat treatment. This thermal exposure treatment, done at a temperature below the solution heat treatment temperature, releases stored energy in the aluminum-alloy material. The aluminum-alloy material then does not have sufficient energy to cause recrystallization and abnormal grain growth during the subsequent solution heat treatment process. The resultant aluminum-alloy material has a restored mechanical strength with only a minor, but acceptable, decrease in original ductility.

Abstract: A preform with edges overlapped and jointed each other and first and second outer members for forming outer surfaces of a hydroformed product, and reinforcement members that are jointed to the first and second outer members to form reinforcement ribs that divide a hollow cross section of the outer surfaces, the reinforcement members having dimensions capable of suppressing elongation in a tensile direction due to a tensile force that develops during hydroforming.

Abstract: An integrated composite structure with a graded coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is formed by selecting a plurality of layers of materials with a graded CTE and using joining approaches such as welding, brazing, or solid state bonding to produce a CTE-graded layered composite or near net shape. The integrated composite billet or near net shape is then processed to produce a first surface for attachment of a first structural member having a first CTE and to produce a second surface of for attachment of a second structural member having a second CTE.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine airfoil is made from separate cast sections having different cast alloy structures. The cast alloy structures are selected on the basis of the local operating conditions of each section. Friction welding can be used to join the sections together.

Abstract: A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod.