Defect Detection in Friction Stir Welding by Online Infrared Thermography

Kryukov, Igor; Hartmann, Michael; Böhm, Stefan; Mund, Malte; Dilger, Klaus; Fischer, Fabian

doi:2014.32.5.480

J Weld Join > Volume 32(5); 2014 > Article

Research Paper

Journal of Welding and Joining 2014;32(5):480-487.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5781/JWJ.2014.32.5.50 Published online October 30, 2014.

Defect Detection in Friction Stir Welding by Online Infrared Thermography

Igor Kryukov^*, Michael Hartmann^*, Stefan Böhm^*, Malte Mund^**, Klaus Dilger^**, Fabian Fischer^**

Correspondence: Igor Kryukov,
Email: i.kryukov@uni-kassel.de

Abstract

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a complex process with several mutually interdependent parameters. A slight difference from known settings may lead to imperfections in the stirred zone. These inhomogeneities affect on the mechanical properties of the FSWed joints. In order to prevent the failure of the welded joint it is necessary to detect the most critical defects non-destructive. Especially critical defects are wormhole and lack of penetration (LOP), because of the difficulty of detection. Online thermography is used process-accompanying for defect detecting. A thermographic camera with a fixed position relating to the welding tool measures the heating-up and the cool down of the welding process. Lap joints with sound weld seam surfaces are manufactured and monitored. Different methods of evaluation of heat distribution and intensity profiles are introduced. It can be demonstrated, that it is possible to detect wormhole and lack of penetration as well as surface defects by analyzing the welding and the cooling process of friction stir welding by passive online thermography measurement. Effects of these defects on mechanical properties are shown by tensile testing.

Key Words: Friction Stir Welding (FSW), Non-destructive testing (NDT), infrared thermography, online process monitoring, defect detection, quality of joint