Friction stir welding devices and methods for tandem tool and anvil

摘要

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) devices and methods for simultaneously welding both sides of an arcuate joint are described. The FSW method includes the step of operating a FSW tool and an anvil on the exterior surface of the joint and simultaneously operating another FSW tool and anvil on the interior surface of the joint. The anvils are positioned in a juxtaposing manner to the FSW tools, and move in tandem with the FSW tools, thus providing a supporting force to the FSW tools during their operation.

主权项

1. A friction stir welding system for simultaneously welding an exterior surface and an interior surface of an arcuate joint formed by a first pipe segment and a second pipe segment, comprising:
a first FSW tool configured to rotate and travel along the exterior surface of the joint at a first penetration depth; a second FSW tool configured to rotate and travel along the interior surface of the joint at a second penetration depth and at the same time that the first FSW tool travels along the exterior surface of the joint; a first anvil configured to travel along the interior surface of the joint in a juxtaposing manner with the first FSW tool to provide a first opposing force; a second anvil configured to travel along the exterior surface of the joint in a juxtaposing manner with the second FSW tool to provide a second opposing force; and a control engine comprising a processor and an electronic storage medium having executable code configured to monitor and control simultaneous operation of the first FSW tool, second FSW tool, first anvil, and second anvil, wherein the first anvil is rotatably coupled with a first arm through a coupling and the second FSW tool is rotatably coupled with a second arm through a head, wherein the first and second arms are coupled via press.