Shear strength and temperature distribution model of friction spot lap joint of high density polyethylene with aluminum alloy 7075

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to join a sheet of the AA7075 with the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) by a lap joint using friction spot processing and investigate the temperature distribution of joint during this process using the finite element method (FEM). Design/methodology/approach A semi-conical hole was manufactured in the AA7075 specimen and a lap joint configuration was prepared with the HDPE specimen. A rotating tool was used to generate the required heat to melt the polymer by the friction with the AA7075 specimen. The applied tool force moved the molten polymer through the hole. Four parameters were used: lower diameter of hole, rotating speed, plunging depth and time. The results of shear test were analyzed using the Taguchi method. A FEM was presented to estimate the temperature distribution of joint during the process. Findings All specimens failed by shearing the polymer at the lap joint region without dislocation. The specimens of the smallest diameter exhibited the highest shear strength at the lap joint. The maximum ranges of temperature were recorded at the contact region between the rotating tool and the AA7075 specimen. The tool plunging depth recorded the highest effect on the generated heat compared with the rotating speed and plunging time. Originality/value For the first time, the AA7075 sheet was joined with the HDPE sheet by friction spot processing. The temperature distribution of this joint was simulated using the FEM.