FSW&PRU
FSW&PRU is focused on the joining and processing of metallic materials through the solid-state technique called friction stir welding and processing. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) and Friction Stir Processing (FSP) are categorized as green technology because they do not produce fumes during their operation.
The two techniques use a specially designed tool to soften and join materials without melting them and therefore, alleviate problems associated with the conventional welding techniques. FSW can join a wide range of materials without any problem, and this includes joining with very different mechanical or chemical properties. An FSW or FSP experimental setup is shown.
The objectives of the FSW&PRU are:
- To produce new knowledge through research that involves various materials, and disseminate that knowledge through scholarly activities like journal articles and conference attendance.
- To produce competitive graduates with unique engineering skills that are relevant and compatible with the ever-changing technological world.
- To create collaboration with local industries and universities, international industries, and universities.
Alignment to FEBE’s Strategic Focus
The technology that is used by FSW&PRU is so versatile that it can be used to produce components and structures from dissimilar materials through the variant called FSE (what is this?). The fact that this technology can be used for manufacturing, makes FSW&PRU fit into one of FEBE’s strategic focuses of Advanced Manufacturing. It was also discovered that FSE is also considered a green technology that consumes between 2 – 5% of energy compared to traditional additive manufacturing techniques.
Core business of the FSW&PRU:
FSW&PRU is aimed at producing knowledge that is relevant to the current market and also producing graduates who possess unique skills. This aim will be realized by attracting energetic and enthusiastic students. The attracted students will be taken to various training and workshops depending on their needs. The projects that the students will be doing will be based on real-world problems and most of them will be coming from industry. The entity is looking at offering services related to fumeless joining and metallurgical analysis to industries that are working with metals, which includes the automotive and marine industries.
Organisational Structure
- Prof Tiyamike Ngonda: Head of the FSW&PRU.
- Dr Ncediwe Tsolekile: Specializing in the nano-analysis, chemical composition of the materials, and the phases present to the materials. The corrosion analysis will be conducted under her guidance and leadership.
- Ms Oritonda Muribwathoho: Specializing in the friction stir processing and friction stir welding of similar and dissimilar materials. The microstructural analysis and mechanical properties of the joints will be conducted under her leadership and guidance.
- Mr Vuyani Moni: Specializing in the sourcing and the well-being of machines that are required to run the whole entity.
Available equipment: Friction stir welding using a converted milling machine
