Friction stir weld processing for achieving maximum tube-to-tubesheet leak path

Dinu Thomas Thekkuden, Abdel Hamid Ismail Mourad, Syed Haris Iftikhar, R. Krishnapriya

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The drawback of tungsten inert gas welded tube-to-tubesheet joints is shortened leak path between transfer fluids. In this work, solid-state friction stir welding is performed for investigating the combined effects of tube protrusions and radial clearances on tube-to-tubesheet joints made of AA 6061-T6 tube and AA 6063-T6 tubesheet. Joints with complete fusion over the entire clearance resulting in maximum leak paths are produced by the friction stir welding process. The average leak path of friction stir welded joints with 4.48 mm was higher than the 2.90 mm leak path of tungsten inert gas welded joints. The optimal tube pull-out load of 10,073.37 N using friction stir welding with 2 mm protrusion and 0 mm radial clearance is close to the maximum tube pull-out load of 10,081.84 N obtained using the tungsten inert gas welding process. Friction stir welding with protrusion was proven as an effective technique for producing tube-to-tubesheet joints with maximum leak path.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1455-1461
Number of pages7
JournalMaterials and Manufacturing Processes
Volume38
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Aluminium
  • microstructure
  • strength
  • tube
  • tubesheet
  • welding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Friction stir weld processing for achieving maximum tube-to-tubesheet leak path'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this