Modeling Texture Evolution During Friction Stir Welding of Stainless Steel With Comparison to Experiments

Abstract

Texture evolution during friction stir welding of stainless steel was investigated using a polycrystal plasticity model together with a three-dimensional, thermomechanically coupled, finite element formulation. The influence of frictional conditions with the tool pin and shoulder on the flow in the through-thickness direction was examined in terms of their impact on the evolving crystallographic texture. Trends in regard to the strengthening and weakening of the texture are discussed in relation to the relative magnitudes of the deformation rate and spin. Finally, the computed textures are compared to electron backscatter diffraction measurements and are discussed with respect to distributions along orientational fibers and the dominant texture components along the fibers.