Colloquium: Yingchun Chen, Dissimilar Joining of Aluminum to Steel, Magnesium, and Titanium Alloys Using Friction Stir Welding

Abstract

Multi-material designs, involving high performance Al to steel, Al to Mg and Al to Ti alloys combinations, are now considered to be one of the best ways forward for improving sustainability in the transportation sector through weight reduction to reach CO2 emission reduction targets. As a novel solid-state joining method, friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new alternative technology that has potential for joining multi-material structures, because it requires far less energy than fusion welding techniques, such as resistance spot welding (RSW) and, more importantly, reduces intermetallic compound formation by avoiding liquid phase reactions. In this seminar, metallurgical challenges in FSW of dissimilar materials will be discussed.