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Closed-Loop Control System for Friction Stir Welding Retractable Pin ToolNASA invention disclosure, NASA Case No. MFS-31413, entitled "System for Controlling the Stirring Pin of a Friction Stir Welding Apparatus", (Patent Pending) authored by Jeff Ding, Dr Peter Romine and Pete Oelgoetz, addresses the precision control of the friction stir welding process. The closed-loop control system automatically adjusts the spinning welding pin, real-time, to maintain a precise penetration ligament (i.e., distance between pin-tip and weld panel backside surface). A specific pin length can be maintained while welding constant thickness or tapered material thickness weld panels. The closed-loop control system provides operator data and information relative to the exact position of the welding pin inside the weld joint. This paper presents the closed-loop RPT control system that operates using the auto-feedback of force signals sensed by the tip and shoulder of the welding pin. Significance: The FSW process can be successfully used in a production environment only if there is a method or technique that informs the FSW operator the precise location of the welding pin inside the weld joint. This is essential for applications in aerospace, automotive, pressure vessel, commercial aircraft and other industries.
Document ID
20010084735
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ding, R. Jeffrey
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Romine, Peter L.
(Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Huntsville, AL United States)
Munafo, Paul M.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 16, 2001
Subject Category
Cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence And Robotics
Meeting Information
Meeting: AeroMat Conference
Location: Long Beach, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 11, 2001
End Date: June 14, 2001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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