An automatic joint-tracking technique that employs an extremum-seeking controller is evaluated as a method for automatically tracking sealant paths that have been applied in dissimilar friction stir lap joints of 2024 and 7075 aluminum alloys. Sealants are commonly used to prevent the ingress of corrosion at the faying surfaces of lap joints, and in this study, an attempt is made to exploit sealant presence to reduce necessary robotic path planning procedures. Controller parameters are tuned, and baseline tracking performance is established with milled channels, which are used to replicate the force signature of sealant, and the tracking technique is then evaluated with Pelseal® 2077 sealant applied in a prescribed fashion in both cured and uncured states. Mechanical testing is conducted to determine the implications for weld strength when welding parameters are selected primarily for successful tracking. Results are promising and demonstrate a new level of interaction between sealants and robotic control techniques.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Automatic Tracking of Blind Sealant Paths in Friction Stir Lap Joining


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Aircraft ; 51 , 3 ; 824-832


    Publication date :

    2014-03-05


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    Friction Stir Blind Riveting: A Novel Joining Process for Automotive Light Alloys

    Lathabai, S. / Tyagi, V. / Ritchie, D. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2011


    Friction Stir Blind Riveting: A Novel Joining Process for Automotive Light Alloys

    Sansome, Andrew / Finnin, Barrie / Ritchie, David et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 2011


    A novel joining process - friction stir welding

    Knipström, K.E. / Pekkari, B. | Tema Archive | 1997


    Refill Friction Stir Spot Joining Rivet Replacement Technology

    Handyside, Alan / Duncan, Brent / Brown, Brian et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 2016