In this work the friction stir welding (FSW) process of stainless steel probes is modeled by a general propose finite element program, reproducing both thermal and material flow distribution. In the FSW process the equipment consist essentially of a rotating tool, which travel along the joint of two restricted plates. The union results from the frictional heating induced by the tool, which led into a viscoplastic material flow between the joined plates. This work simulates the process for a union of austenitic stainless steel considering thermo-mechanical coupling. In order to solve the mechanical problem, a viscoplastic model is implemented for this steel, involving a representative constitutive relation within the range of process temperatures. On the other hand, the related thermal problem is modeled considering the advection phenomena induced by the tool movement. At this first stage, the results obtained have been contrasted with data reported in the published literature, obtaining good agreement between them.
Numerical methods; welding; termal analysis
