Friction stir processing of cast NiAl bronze

Friction stir processing (FSP) of cast NiAl bronze has resulted in significant increases in properties including more than doubling the yield greater that 40 percent increase in the threshold fatigue life; all achieved while increasing ductility. These and other strength, greater than a 60 percent increase in tensile strength, and property improvements were realized following studies of FSP procedures specifically for NiAl bronze. Within this manuscript, FSP procedures and other "lessons learned" are presented. Details of property improvements are documented elsewhere within this conference proceedings (see Fuller et al.). Presented herein are tool designs for efficient material flow, tool materials capable of long life at 1000 degrees C, rastering procedures covering large surface areas, and other results pertinent to achieve improved properties in cast NiAl bronze following friction stir processing.