ABSTRACT
This chapter investigates the effects of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) on the welding induced initial imperfections and buckling behavior of aluminum plates. A parametric study was then carried out to investigate the effects of FSW induced residual stress, distortion and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) on the buckling behavior and ultimate strength of the aluminum plates under compressive loading. FSW has gained popularity in the fabrication of structures, especially for materials sensitive to welding such as aluminum. A finite element comparison study by V. Farajkhah et al. revealed that FSW results in significantly lower welding induced residual stress, distortion and HAZ in comparison with Metal Inert Gas welding in aluminum plates. Shell elements were used in the modeling, the welding process was not simulated, and the effects of FSW were considered just by assuming values for welding induced residual stress, distortion and HAZ.
