Welding and Weldability of Thorium-Doped Iridium Alloys
- ORNL
Ir-0.3%W alloys doped with thorium are currently used as post-impact containment material for radioactive fuel in thermoelectric generators that provide stable electrical power for a variety of outer planetary space exploration missions. Welding and weldability of a series of alloys was investigated using arc and laser welding processes. Some of these alloys are prone to severe hot-cracking during welding. Weldability of these alloys was characterized using Sigmajig weldability test. Hot-cracking is influenced to a great extent by the fusion zone microstructure and composition. Thorium content and welding atmosphere were found to be very critical. The weld cracking behavior in these alloys can be controlled by modifying the fusion zone microstructure. Fusion zone microstructure was found to be controlled by welding process, process parameters, and the weld pool shape.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-96OR22464
- OSTI ID:
- 14972
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/CP-105295
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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