Masters Theses

Abstract

"The objective of this work was to demonstrate the applicability of friction stir welding (FSW) technology in the automotive industry. Increasing fuel prices, stringent safety and emission norms are continuously striving automakers to make lightweight, fuel efficient vehicles. Automotive engineers are researching for alternate materials in order to meet weight savings targets. Use of aluminum in place of steel in a car has been increasing for making lightweight vehicles. Conventional welding and spot welding are used as preferred joining methods by the automotive industry. However, if aluminum is used in place of steel alternate joining methods are to be researched. Due to the problems associated with the joining of aluminum with conventional welding methods, use of aluminum has been limited. Substantial amount of research has been done for the development of friction stir welding for aluminum. Joints made in aluminum using the FSW method exhibit better mechanical properties, improved fatigue life and less processing problems. This work further analyzes the scope of the FSW method for the automotive industry. Welding of various shapes commonly used in a car is considered here. The first literature covers the FSW of partial penetration butt welds for rectangular section aluminum tubes. Mechanical property determination for these welds was also performed. The second paper demonstrates entire vehicle design considering FSW as a joining process. Finite element analysis was done for the analysis of vehicle frame performance"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Mishra, Rajiv S.

Committee Member(s)

Kohser, Ronald A.
Allada, Venkat

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

2008

Pagination

x, 54 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 64-67).

Rights

© 2008 Kamini A. Gupta, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Friction stir weldingAluminum -- WeldingWelded jointsStrength of materials

Thesis Number

T 10247

Print OCLC #

863155469

Electronic OCLC #

863155491

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