An Evaluation of Multipass Narrow Gap Laser Welding as a Candidate Process for the Manufacture of Nuclear Pressure Vessels

J.C. Feng, D.W. Rathod, Matthew Roy, John Francis, Wei Guo, Neil Irvine, Anastasia Vasileiou, Y.L. Sun, Michael Smith, Lin Li

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Abstract

Nuclear pressure vessels are currently fabricated using arc welding processes. Recently, considerable effort has been directed at the development of electron beam welding as an alternative fabrication technique owing to the substantial productivity gains it would offer. However, little attention has been directed at laser-based techniques. In this work we evaluate the potential for applying multipass narrow-gap laser welding (NGLW) to the fabrication of nuclear pressure vessels, based on the characterization of a 30 mm thick weld in SA508 steel. Although still a multipass process, the number of passes is reduced in comparison to an arc weld of the same thickness, and the deposition of successive passes provides a degree of tempering to previously deposited weld metal in a way that the electron beam welding process does not. Principal engineering challenges for the implementation of multipass NGLW include the achievement of appropriate joint fit-up, and the shielding of a molten pool at the base of a deep and narrow weld groove.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping
Volume157
Early online date14 Sept 2017
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 14 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • conduction mode welding
  • magnetic beam deflection
  • narrow-groove weld
  • Post-weld heat treatment
  • single-sided weld
  • welding productivity

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Dalton Nuclear Institute

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