Failure Analysis of Pinch Weld Electrodes

Journal Article · Mon Jul 30 00:00:00 EDT 2018 · Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-018-0518-1· OSTI ID:1498922

Korinko, Paul ^[1]; McWilliams, Anthony ^[1]; Van Swol, Matthew ^[1]; Faraone, Kevin ^[2]

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1. Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States). Savannah River National Lab. (SRNL)
2. National Nuclear Security Administration, National Security Campus, Kansas City, MO (United States)

We present that Savannah River Site uses brazed copper/tungsten electrodes for a specialized weld referred to as a pinch weld. An alternative method to produce the pinch weld electrodes was sought to improve quality and to reduce the manufacturing steps. Backcasting of pinch weld electrodes was selected as such a process. During preliminary testing, deformation of the electrodes was observed. A failure analysis assessment was conducted and the strength of the electrodes was found to be significantly less than required to enable welding of the tubes. This assessment includes compression testing metallographic analysis. The pinch weld electrodes fabricated by backcasting do not meet the requirements with respect to strength. Additionally, a minimum strength requirement for conventionally prepared electrodes is recommended.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC09-08SR22470; NA0002839
• OSTI ID: 1498922
• Report Number(s): SRNL-STI--2018-00297
• Journal Information: Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, Journal Name: Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 18; ISSN 1547-7029
• Publisher: ASM International
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING
Electrode
Failure analysis
Resistance spot welding
Stainless steel