Description Rotary friction welding (RFW) is a solid-state joining process that works by rotating one work-piece relative to another while under a compressive axial force. This solid-state joining methods offers advantages over other joining processes; for example, it avoids defects linked to melting and solidification, reduces intermetallic formation, allows dissimilar material to be joined, and does not require specific atmosphere. Applications can be found in many sectors like aerospace, oil and gas, nuclear, marine and defence. Particularly, joining of dissimilar titanium alloys is of interest for aerospace applications for jet engines and landing gears. The purpose of this project is to optimise the post-weld heat treatment of Ti-6Al-4V to Ti-10-2-3 joints. The focus will be on management of residual stresses, microstructure and hardness of welded parts. The student will review existing work on joining of titanium alloys, generate a plan of experiments, and take part in experimental work for residual stress measurements and material characterisation. This research work will be conducted in collaboration with the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC). Key Objectives
- Detailed Undertstanding of RFW, advantages compared to other joining techniques
- Understanding of Residual Stress
- Unterstanding of Titanium Metallurgy.
- Modelling of Residual Stress