Friction Stir Welding for Armor Applications Phase II

In the quest to make armored vehicles lighter, and more efficient new methods of production, and new materials must be explored. Often times joining via arc welding degrades armor material below military specification, so alternate joining methods are being explored like Friction Stir Welding (FSW).

In this study, FSW parameters were developed and used to weld Wrought Homogeneous Armor steel. The welded joints were subjected to mechanical testing and metallography. This work has shown that FSW armor steel in the as welded condition creates a hard and brittle stir zone. The fracture toughness exhibited in stir zone is quite low, but close to the minimum specified energy. The welded joints exhibit good ultimate tensile strength when compared to the base metal.

Industry Sponsor: Oshkosh, GVSC

Faculty: Antonio Ramirez (OSU)

Graduate Student: Stan Hawkes

Industry Contact: Martin McDonnell