Modelling the Heat Generation, Temperature and Microstructure of Friction Stir Welds using COMSOL Multiphysics
P. Colegrove
Cranfield University
Temperature contours in the translating thermal model
This paper describes the application of COMSOL Multiphysics to the modelling of Friction Stir Welding (FSW).
The model predicts the heat generation from the material’s hot-deformation and thermal properties, the process parameters, and the tool and plate dimensions.
The temperature predictions have also been linked to a simple microstructural model which enables the weld hardness to be predicted.
Keynote speaker's biography:
Paul Colegrove is a Lecturer in Welding Engineering at the Cranfield University.Dr. Paul Colegrove's main research interest is welding and the modelling of welding processes. He gained his first degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 1995. He then worked in the Steel and Mineral's Processing Industries for 3 years, before doing a Master of Engineering Science Degree at the University of Adelaide.
In 2001 he commenced a PhD at the University of Cambridge on the Modelling of Friction Stir Welding, which he continued in 2004 as a post-doc. Paul is currently a lecturer in Welding Engineering at Cranfield University with a focus on projects on Stress Engineering, Friction Stir, Laser and Arc Welding.
Paul Colegrove was one of the keynote speakers at the COMSOL User's Conference, fall 2006 in Birmingham.