In-Situ Imaging Fixture for Friction Stir Welding

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a widely used manufacturing process in the aerospace industry because it produces strong, lightweight welds [1]. However, material flow beneath the rotating tool is difficult to study since the weld zone is obscured by flashes, chips, and high heat. A better understanding of this flow could improve process models and quality control [2]. This project aims to provide researchers at the University of Michigan with a compact, rigid fixture that enables synchronized, high-speed imaging of the weld zone as the spindle moves, so that plasticized material flow can be observed and analyzed in real time.