Portable Friction Stir Welding Technology for Aluminum Fabrication

During Phase I, goals of initial design and demonstration of system concepts for a portable friction stir welding (FSW) system were successfully completed. During Phase II, the objective is to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a portable and versatile FSW system. To support AMP’s design, BYU will continue engineering and application studies in parallel with the design effort. BYU will optimize FSW tool designs for minimum system loads and optimize the attachment approach. The final product of the BYU studies will be an “Attachment Application Process Specification” that will achieve both maximum strength and consistency in application. The BYU results will be integrated into the AMP design resulting in the most efficient and light weight portable FSW system design. Following completion of the Phase II Base and Option programs we expect to attain a TRL of 6+. The above addresses the Phase II technical design, optimization, fabrication, and demonstration tasks. However, application to specific structures and commercialization are also important and will be addressed early during the Phase II Base program and more so during the Phase II Options. Initially, our emphasis will be Navy structures and as such we will identify pertinent Navy facilities and personnel for early discussions.