PROCESS OF FRICTION STIR WELDING ON TUBE END JOINTS AND A PRODUCT PRODUCED THEREBY

摘要

A process of producing shell and tube heat exchangers where the ends of the tubes are secured to a tube sheet while reacting applied FSW forces without introducing a crevice or local deformation near the ends of the tubes. In particular, an interference fit is used to lock the ends of the tubes into the tube sheet without flaring or expanding the tube ends. A FSW process is then used to weld the ends of the tubes to the tube sheet.

主权项

1. A process of connecting a tube to a tube sheet, comprising:
inserting an end of the tube into a hole in the tube sheet with an interference fit between the tube end and the tube sheet that locks the tube end into the tube sheet without flaring or expanding the end of the tube adjacent to the tube sheet; and friction stir welding the tube to the tube sheet.