Friction welding

Abstract

In one aspect the invention provided a friction welded component comprising at least two structural support members spaced apart and connected by a plurality of first and second studs. Each of the first studs are friction welded at one end to a first of the support members and at the opposite end thereof to one end of a respective second stud. Each of the second studs are friction welded to a respective first stud and a second of the support members along a continuous annular friction welded joint having a frusto-conical configuration. Another aspect of the invention provides a friction welding method comprising the steps of: friction welding a plurality of first studs at one end thereof to a first structural support member positioning a second structural member having a plurality of apertures adjacent the opposite ends of the first studs with the apertures positioned in register with the said first studs; and, friction welding a plurality of second studs to the said second support member with each of the second studs extending through a respective aperture and being friction welded along a continuous friction weld surface to the second support member and a respective first stud.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.