Joining of machined sandwich assemblies by friction stir welding
AssigneeMcDonnell Douglas Corporation
InventorsRajesh Talwar, Barton Moenster, Ricky L. Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The machined-sandwich structural assembly has two components joined together with a joint of substantially the same strength as the weakest base material. More specifically, the structural assembly includes a first structural member and a second structural member. The first structural member is spaced from the second structural member through a plurality of intermediate members which extend between the first structural member and the second structural member. The plurality of intermediate members are friction stir welded to the first structural member. The resultant assembly requires less stock material, takes less time to machine and has a joint of improved strength.
Claims13
A method of manufacturing a structural assembly, comprising the steps of:
- machining a first work piece to form a first structural member having outer and inner surfaces;
- machining a second work piece to form a second structural member, the second structural member having a plurality of intermediate members extending outwardly to a distal end;
- positioning the inner surface of the first structural member adjacent to the distal ends of the plurality of intermediate members so that the plurality of intermediate members extend between the first and second structural members;
- securing the first and second structural members so as to prevent movement of the first structural member relative to the second structural member;
- and
- inserting a rotating friction stir welding probe through the outer surface of the first structural member at a position aligned with a respective intermediate member to thereby join the first structural member to the distal end of the respective intermediate member by friction stir welding.
A structural assembly, comprising:
- a first structural member;
- a second structural member spaced from said first structural member and having a plurality of intermediate members extending outwardly, each of said plurality of intermediate members extending between said first structural member and said second structural member;
- and
- a friction stir weld joint made by inserting a rotating fraction stir welding probe through the outer surface of the first structural member and which joins a respective intermediate member and said first structural member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.