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 language | English |
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Journal | International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping |
Volume | 157 |
Early online date | 14 Sept 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-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