Improving crack resistivity in Al alloy pressure vessels by FSW

Abstract

Purpose: Fuel or oil transmission pipelines are made with light metal alloys to preventcorrosion and to provide a better safety record. This is achieved by the combinationof perfect design, selection of materials and functioning practices. However, like anyengineering structure, these lines also fail occasionally. Major cases of such failure it inducesdue to external interference or corrosion or due to manufacturing defects; so such of defectsif they were detected before failure and that can be treated to avoid failure or the life timecan be improved.Design/methodology/approach: In this study an aluminum alloy sample with microcrack was treated with FSW process with ZN powder. And studies were carried out againstboth treated and untreated samples with cracks.Findings: From the studies it is clear that FSW treatment over surfaces will reduces thecrack initiation in light metal alloy structures. The process can be done before or afterinstallation.Research limitations/implications: The results were recorded and suggested FSW as abest process for crack treatment in Al alloys. Especially in pressure lines or pressure vessels.Originality/value: Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state metal joining process. Thisis energy efficient, ecofriendly, and versatile light metal joining technique. In particular,high-strength aerospace aluminum alloys can be welded by using this technique. This willproduces high harden joints in light metals as just like conventional arc welding techniques.It is considered as the most significant research development in light metal joining.