Friction Stir Welding Of Dissimilar Alloys And Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Primarily, in 1964, the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) concept is patented in the Soviet Union. FSW, which deploys a non-consumable tool for joining ‘2’ facing workpieces without melting the workpiece materials, is a solid-state joining process. (a) Intermetallic alloys, (b) silicides, (c) Laves phase alloys (2-phase Nb-Ti-Cr alloys), (d) platinum alloys, (e) iridium alloys, and (f) ceramics are the classifications of materials. Till the probe pierces into the workpiece as well as its shoulder touches the workpiece's surface, the tool in the FSW is fed into a butt joint betwixt ‘2’ clamped workpieces. The FSW helps in joining dissimilar metals and ions. Especially, the attention is focused on deleterious Intermetallic Compounds’ (IMCs) control and dispersion while considering the joining of dissimilar metals and alloys. For joining dissimilar alloys and materials, FSW has emerged as a promising technique, which results in advantages like enhanced mechanical properties, reduced distortion, and enhanced weld quality compared to the traditional Fusion Welding (FW) method. Thus, this paper provides an overview of the advancements in FSW of dissimilar alloys and materials. Also, the significant aspects like mechanical properties, microstructural analysis, and challenges that are associated with the FSW of dissimilar alloys as well as materials are explored in this paper.