Temperature and force response characteristics of friction stir welding on Invar 36 alloy

The temperature and force response during friction stir welding of Invar 36 alloy were investigated by experimental measurement and numerical simulation. The effect of welding parameters was studied. The temperature and force characteristics were roughly discussed. It is indicated that an elevation rotational speed results in increasing temperature and decreasing axial force, whereas rotational speed has no obvious influence on the longitudinal force. An elevation travelling speed produces increasing axial force and longitudinal force, and a decreased trend of temperature out of stir zone centre. Friction stir welding of Invar 36 alloy produced relatively high peak temperatures, high axial and longitudinal forces, and a narrow temperature distribution compared with those of the other reported high melting temperature materials.