Welding and Joining of materials
Friction stir welding and processing
We are studying friction stir welding (FSW) and processing as a means for advanced materials joining and repair. In particular, we have examined FSW of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels. While FSW is able to successfully join ODS alloys, the process causes significant evolution in microstructure which results in significant changes in mechanical properties and residual stress levels.
We have recently published a review article in JOM (2014) that discusses joining in ODS steels.
We have examine the microstructural evolution in the stir zone and heat affected zones of friction stir welded MA956 ODS steel. We observed that the ferrite grain size increases and the oxide size increase with an accompanying phase transformation. The combination of these effects distinctly lowers the tensile properties of the friction stir welded steel. We have also recently measured the residual stress levels in these steels after FSW using x-ray and neutron diffraction.
We have recently published a review article in JOM (2014) that discusses joining in ODS steels.
We have examine the microstructural evolution in the stir zone and heat affected zones of friction stir welded MA956 ODS steel. We observed that the ferrite grain size increases and the oxide size increase with an accompanying phase transformation. The combination of these effects distinctly lowers the tensile properties of the friction stir welded steel. We have also recently measured the residual stress levels in these steels after FSW using x-ray and neutron diffraction.
University of alabama welding laboratory
Prof. Brewer supervises the Welding Laboratory at the University of Alabama. This laboratory has a variety of general welding capabilities including gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). In addition we can perform GTAW in an argon glove box for sensitive materials such as titanium alloys. We have recently installed a micro-laser welding machine that can make welds as small as 100 microns or as large as 2 mm in a variety of alloys.
