Feasibility study of friction stir welding of Al-B4C metal matrix composites used in nuclear industry
- Verdera D. ,
- Sotelo J. ,
- Vazquez P. ,
- et al
- Verdera D. ,
- Sotelo J. ,
- Vazquez P. and
- Garrido D.
Repository
Description
A feasibility study was undertaken to investigate the use of friction stir welding to join B4C particle reinforced Al metal matrix composite plates (thickness 8 mm) that form the neutron absorber tubes of the basket of a spent nuclear fuel cask. Welding experiments were conducted using an MTS ISTIR PDS friction stir welding machine with WC-Co tools of two different designs. Both butt joint configurations and welded prototypes were studied. The process parameters varied were rotational speed (600-1700 rpm), travel speed (50-150 mm/min), tilt angle (1.5-3 degrees) and control mode. Specimens were characterised by microstructure observations, tensile testing and radiography. Particle size analysis was carried out by measuring particle areas using image analysis software and particle shape was evaluated in terms of aspect ratio and shape factor.
10th International Symposium, 20-22 May 2014, Session 11B: Non Ferrous, Paper 04
Subjects
- Friction welding
- Welding
- Process
- Friction stir welding
- Environment
- Nuclear engineering
- Composite materials
- Material
- Matrix composites
- Process conditions
- Microstructure
- Particle reinforced composites
- Nonferrous
- Aluminium and Al alloys
- Weld zone
- Weld
- Dynamically recrystallised zone
- Strength
- Mechanical properties
- Properties
- Ultimate tensile strength
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