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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

JOINING ZIRCALOY-STAINLESS STEEL AND SAP ALLOYS BY FRICTION, ROLLING, AND EXPLOSIVE TECHNIQUES

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4774543

Metallurgical bonding of Zircaloy-2 and Type 410 stainless steel tubular assemblies and the end capping of SAP alloy fuel sheaths by cold-bonding methods were investigated as a part of the USAEC/AECL Cooperative Program. Approaches considered included friction bonding and forming, cold roll bonding, modified roll forming, and explosive welding. The feasibility of joining these material combinations by friction bonding was demonstrated; however, complete bonding was not attained because of equipment limitations. Extrusion forming of end caps on SAP alloy fuel sheaths with subsequent forge sealing produced leaktight closures. The studies of cold rolling and roll forming indicated that metallurgical bonding of Zircaloy-2 stainless steel tubular assemblies was not possible with current roll-forming equipment. Good strength and thermal-cycling properties were shown by joints produced by both methods. Joint designs providing high local deformations and utilizing intermediate interfacial materials were evaluated in this study. Explosive welds of Zircaloy-2 and stainless steel in tubular configurations were produced with complete bonds. Such bonds withstood a 1/8-in.- radius bend in testing. Critical parameters were found to be tube thickness, assembly clearance, and degree of vacuum. (auth)

Research Organization:
Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-92
NSA Number:
NSA-16-032092
OSTI ID:
4774543
Report Number(s):
BMI-1594
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English