A review on numerical modelling techniques in friction stir processing: current and future perspective

Friction stir processing (FSP) has gained significant attention worldwide since its inception due to its remarkable solid-state characteristics and microstructure refinement. However, the complex geometry of the FSP and 3-D features makes it challenging to create a set of governing equations for analyzing the post-process theoretical behavior. Due to significant deformation, experiments cannot provide comprehensive information throughout the real process, which frequently entails expense, resources, and time; numerical analysis has been examined extensively over the former to solve these concerns. Numerous alternative processes are to be simulated using FSP�s numerical analysis before physical testing to better understand the impact of various system characteristics. An attempt has been made to explore the latest research on the development of various numerical modelling techniques that lead to meaningful insight to enhance the performance of FSP. An advanced numerical technique for studying the influence of different field variables, changes in tool orientation on material flow coupled with appropriate surface contact involving temperature-dependent coefficient of friction values using advanced smoothed particle hydrodynamics on a GPU hardware configuration is still in future scope. This necessity to develop thermo-mechanical models of surface composites facilitates accurate prediction of the thermal record and particle dispersion in FSP. This article compiles computational approaches, the potential of different FEA software, and other post-processing parameters, viz., heat generation, temperature distribution, and material transition. In this regard, some vital challenges and issues regarding the numerical approaches of friction stir processing remain to be addressed, and opportunities for future research prospects are thus recommended. © 2023, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology.