The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 08, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 29, 2001
Murray W. Mahoney, Camarillo, CA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a structural assembly comprising a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The second workpiece at least partially underlies the first workpiece so as to define an interface therebetween. The assembly includes a friction stir weld joint joining the first and second workpieces. The assembly also includes an interface layer positioned between the first and second workpieces. The interface layer comprises a material having a melting temperature lower than the solidus temperatures of the first and second workpieces. The interface layer at least partially fills the interface proximate to the friction stir weld joint to thereby increase the strength and fracture toughness of the weld joint, as well as other mechanical and chemical properties, including resistance to crack growth and corrosion resistance.