The Boeing Company
Friction stir welding method and assembly

Abstract:

A friction stir welded structure includes first and second members. The first member has a base defining opposed first and second surfaces, and spaced first and second walls extending outwardly from the second surface of the base to define a receptacle therebetween. The second member includes an elongate rib extending from a root portion to a first tip portion, the root portion having a uniform root portion thickness and the first tip portion having a first tip portion thickness not greater than the root portion thickness. The first tip portion is sized for insertion into the receptacle and shaped conformally with the receptacle so that the first tip portion engages a closed end of the receptacle. A friction stir weld joint extends through the base and at least portions of the first and second walls of the first member and into the first tip portion of the second member, thereby to join the first and second members.