Innovative Joining Process

The goal of this research field is to understand the phenomena guiding the evolution of the microstructures and mechanical properties in aluminum-based alloys for a particular joining process called “friction stir welding”.

Making mechanical structures lighter requires specific properties, in which lightweight alloys hardly compete with polymer-based structural composites. Historically, the approach to make aluminum alloys lighter focused on the control of microstructures. However, it is now clear that primary and secondary properties of the joining process must also be taken into account in the development of these materials.

We conduct experimental activities and multi-scale modeling to describe the thermo-mechanical cycles during soldering, and the evolution of the microstructures and related mechanical properties.