Friction stir welding as a rivet replacement technology

Not applicable The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir wel...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Dracup, Brian J, Arbegast, William J
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 24.08.2004
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Summary:Not applicable The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for joining aluminum allow panels (eg. 2090-T83 aluminum lithium alloy). The method preliminarily positions two panels and skin panels next to each other so that a stringer panel overlaps a skin panel. A friction stir weld pin tool penetrates through one panel and at least partially into another panel. The panel material around the pin tool is frictionally heated.