As the field of Friction Stir Welding expands to harder and higher
temperature materials, researchers are looking for ways to combat the
large forging efforts and increased tool wear. One common approach seems
to be augmenting or even replacing the heating function of the FSW tool
with another heating or welding technique, such as induction heating, arc
welders, or fusion welding. Here at Vanderbilt we are studying the effect
of external heating of the work piece in a more controlled and theoretical
way. We will be looking at the the forces during the weld, weld quality,
travel speed, and tool wear.