Patent ID: 6780525
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: B23K,Y10T

Abstract:
A precipatation hardened structural assembly comprising:a first structural member; a second structural member positioned adjacent to said first structural member such that said first and second structural members define an interface therebetween; and at least one friction stir weld joint joining said first structural member to said second structural member at least partially along said interface, said first and second structural members being solution heat treated at a first predetermined temperature schedule and then precipitation heat treated at a second predetermined temperature schedule, said friction stir weld joint being formed subsequent to the precipitation hardening of the first and second structural members at the second predetermined temperature schedule, and wherein said friction stir weld joint comprises a refined grain structure having grain size of less than about 5 microns and substantially no residual strain so as to inhibit grain growth during post-weld heat treatments.