Computational Investigation of Mechanical Behaviour of FSW Joints

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a rapidly emerging joining technology due to significant advancements in tooling and process development. Latest literature relating to finite element analysis (FEA) of mechanical behaviour of FSW joints is reviewed in this paper. The recent development in FEA of mechanical behaviour of FSW joints is described with particular reference to two major factors that influence the performance of FSW joints: static behaviour and fatigue behaviour. The main FE methods used in FSW performance are discussed and illustrated with brief case studies from the literature.