Review on synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion on reactor structural alloys

The synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion of reactor structural materials has been a prominent research focus.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the synergistic effects on the third-and fourth-generation fission nuclear energy structural materials used in pressurized water reactors and molten salt reactors.The competitive mechanisms of multiple influencing factors,such as the irradiation dose,corrosion type,and environmental temperature,are summarized in this paper.Conceptual approaches are proposed to alleviate the synergistic damage caused by irradiation and corrosion,thereby promoting in-depth research in the future and solving this key challenge for the structural materials used in reactors.

Investigation on influence of alloying on phase transitions of duplex stainless steel based on thermochemical calculation

This paper investigated on influence of different alloying elements added into duplex stainless steel (DSS) on phase transitions using thermochemical methods in comparison with experiment.The results showed that the most possible species in the ferrite phase,austenite phase,σphase,Hcp phase,χphase,and carbide were Cr:Va-type,Fe:Va-type,Ni:Cr:Mo-type,Cr_(2)N-type,Fe_(24)Mo_(10)Cr_(24)-type,and Cr:Mo:C-type,respectively.Furthermore,the Ni,N,Cr,and Mo alloying had significant influences on the transition of each DSS phase.The Ni and N additions obviously raised the temperature at ferrite-1/austenite-1 balance while the Cr and Mo decreased the dual-phase balance temperature.In addition,the Ni addition can promote the precipitating ofσphase at relatively high temperature while the precipitating of Hcp phase at relatively low temperature.The Hcp phase andχphase can be obviously increased by the N addition.The introduction of Cr and Mo notably enhances the precipitation ofσphase.However,the promotion ofχphase precipitation is facilitated by the presence of Mo,while the Cr element acts as an inhibitor forχphase precipitation.Furthermore,the ferrite/austenite ratio tested by experiment was higher than that calculated by thermochemical methods,thus pre-designed solution temperature should be lower about 30-100℃than that calculated by thermochemical methods.

Corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviors of AISI 316 stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloys in artificial seawater

The corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviors of AISI 316 stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloys sliding against Al2O3 in artificial seawater using a pin-on-disk test rig were investigated. And the synergistic effect between corrosion and wear was emphatically evaluated. The results show that the open circuit potentials of both alloys drop down to more negative value due to friction. The corrosion current densities obtained under tribocorrosion condition are much higher than those under corrosion-only condition. Friction obviously accelerates the corrosion of the alloys. The wear loss for both alloys is larger in seawater than that in pure water. Wear loss is obviously accelerated by corrosion. And AISI 316 stainless steel is less resistant to sliding damage than Ti6Al4V alloy. The synergistic effect between wear and corrosion is a significant factor for the materials loss in tribocorrosion. In this surface-on-surface contact geometry friction system, the material loss is large but the ratio of wear-accelerated-corrosion to the total wear loss is very low.

Interfacial structure and mechanical properties of hot-roll bonded joints between titanium alloy and stainless steel using niobium interlayer

The hot-roll bonding was carried out in vacuum between titanium alloy and stainless steel using niobium interlayer. The interfacial structure and mechanical properties were analyzed. The results show that the plasticity of bonded joint is improved significantly. When the bonding temperature is 800 °C or 900 °C, there is not intermetallic layer at the interface between stainless steel and niobium. When the bonding temperature is 1000 °C or 1050 °C, Fe-Nb intermetallic layer forms at the interface. When the bonding temperature is 1050 °C, cracking occurs between stainless steel and intermetallic layer. The maximum strength of -417.5 MPa is obtained at the bonding temperature of 900 °C, the reduction of 25% and the rolling speed of 38 mm/s, and the tensile specimen fractures in the niobium interlayer with plastic fracture characteristics. When the hot-roll bonded transition joints were TIG welded with titanium alloy and stainless steel respectively, the tensile strength of the transition joints after TIG welding is -410.3 MPa, and the specimen fractures in the niobium interlayer.

Contact reactive brazing of Al alloy/Cu/stainless steel joints and dissolution behaviors of interlayer

Contact reactive brazing of 6063 Al alloy and 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel was researched by using Cu as interlayer. Effect of brazing time on microstructure of the joints, as well as the dissolution behaviors of Cu interlayer was analyzed. The results show that the product of reaction zone near 1Cr18Ni9Ti is composed of Fe2Al5, FeAl3 intermetallic compound （IMC）, and Cu-Al IMC; the near by area is composed of Al-Cu eutectic structure with Al （Cu） solid solution. With increasing the brazing time, the thickness of IMC layer at the interface increases, while the width of Al-Cu eutectic structure with Al（Cu） solution decreases. Calculation shows the dissolution rate of Cu interlayer is very fast. The complete dissolution time is about 0.47 s for Cu interlayer with 10 μm in thickness used in this study.

Temperature and stress fields in electron beam welded Ti-15-3 alloy to 304 stainless steel joint with copper interlayer sheet

Electron beam welding of Ti-15-3 alloy to 304 stainless steel （STS） using a copper filler metal was carried out. The temperature fields and stress distributions in the Ti/Fe and Ti/Cu/Fe joint during the welding process were numerically simulated and experimentally measured. The results show that the rotated parabola body heat source is fit for the simulation of the electron beam welding. The temperature distribution is asymmetric along the weld center and the temperature in the titanium alloy plate is higher than that in the 304 STS plate. The thermal stress also appears to be in asymmetric distribution. The residual tensile stress mainly exists in the weld at the 304 STS side. The copper filler metal decreases the peak temperature and temperature grade in the joint as well as the residual stress. The longitudinal and lateral residual tensile strengths reduce by 66 MPa and 31 MPa, respectively. From the temperature and residual stress, it is concluded that copper is a good filler metal candidate for the electron beam welding of Ti-15-3 titanium alloy to 304 stainless steel.

Microstructural characteristics of joint region during diffusion-brazing of magnesium alloy and stainless steel using pure copper interlayer

A novel joining method,double-stage diffusion-brazing of an AZ31 magnesium alloy and a 304L austenitic stainless steel,was carried out using a pure copper interlayer.The solid-state diffusion bonding of 304L to copper was conducted at 850 ℃ for 20 min followed by brazing to AZ31 at 520 ℃ and 495 ℃ for various time.Microstructural characteristics of the diffusion-brazed joints were investigated in detail.A defect free interface of Fe-Cu diffusion area appeared between the Cu alloy and the 304L steel.Cu-Mg reaction products were formed between AZ31 and Cu alloys.A layered structure including AZ31/Cu-Mg compounds/Cu/Fe-Cu diffusion layer/304L was present in the joint.With time prolonging,the reduction in the width of Cu layer was balanced by the increase in the width of Cu-Mg compounds zone.Microhardness peaks in the zone between AZ31 and Cu layer were attributed to the formation of Mg-Cu compounds in this zone.

Electron beam welding of 304 stainless steel to QCr0.8 copper alloy with copper filler wire

Electron beam welding （EBW） of 304 stainless steel to QCr0.8 copper alloy with copper filler wire was carried out. Orthogonal experiment was performed to investigate the effects of process parameters on the tensile strength of the joints, and the process parameters were optimized. The optimum process parameters are as follows：beam current of 30 mA, welding speed of 100 mm/min, wire feed rate of 1 m/min and beam offset of-0.3 mm. The microstructures of the optimum joint were studied. The results indicate that the weld is mainly composed of dendriticαphase with little globularεphase, and copper inhomogeneity only occurs at the top of the fusion zone. In addition, a melted region without mixing exists near the weld junction of copper side. This region with a coarser grain size is the weakest section of the joints. It is found that the microhardness of the weld decreases with the increase of the copper content in solid solution. The highest tensile strength of the joint is 276 MPa.

Effect of intermetallic compounds on heat resistance of hot roll bonded titanium alloy-stainless steel transition joint

The effect of intermetallic compounds on the heat resistance of transition joint was investigated. The experiment of post-weld heat treatment for the hot roll bonded titanium alloy-stainless steel joint using nickels interlayer was carried out, and the interface microstructure evolution due to heat treatment was presented. There was not found significant interdiffusion at stainless steel/nickel interface, when the specimens were heat treated in the temperature range of 600-800 °C for 10 and 30 min, while micro-cracks occurred at the stainless steel/nickel interface heat treated at 700 °C for 30 min. The thickness of intermetallic layers at nickel/titanium alloy interface increased at 600 °C, and micro-cracks occurred at 700 and 800 °C. The micro-cracks occurred between intermetallic layers or between intermetallic layer and nickel interlayer as well. The tensile strength of the transition joint decreased with the increase of heat treatment temperature or holding time.

Welding of shape memory alloy to stainless steel for medical occluder

Dissimilar metal joining between NiTi shape memory alloy（SMA） and stainless steel was conducted.A cluster of NiTi SMA wires were first joined with tungsten inert gas（TIG） welding process,then the NiTi SMA TIG weld was welded to a stainless steel pipe with laser spot welding process.The microstructure of the welds was examined with an optical microscope and the elemental distribution in the welds was measured by electron probe microanalysis（EPMA）.The results show that TiC compounds dispersively distribute in the NiTi SMA TIG weld.However,the amount of TiC compounds greatly decreases around the fusion boundary of the laser spot weld between the NiTi SMA and stainless steel.Mutual diffusion between NiTi shape memory alloy and stainless steel happen within a short distance near the fusion boundary,and intermetallic compounds such as Ni3Ti＋（Fe,Ni）Ti appear around the fusion boundary.

Influences of different filler metals on electron beam welding of titanium alloy to stainless steel

Electron beam welding experiments of titanium alloy to stainless steel were carried out with different filler metals, such as Ni, V, and Cu. Microstructures of the joints were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated according to tensile strength and microhardness. As a result, influences of filler metals on microstructures and mechanical properties of electron beam welded titanium-stainless steel joints were discussed. The results showed that all the filler metals were helpful to restrain the Ti-Fe intermetallics. The welds with different filler metals were all characterized by solid solution and interfacial intermetallics. For each type of the filler metal, the type of solid solution and interfacial intermetallics depended on the metallurgical reactions between the filler metals and base metals. The interfacial intermetallics were Fe2Ti＋Ni3Ti＋NiTi2, TiFe, and Cu2Ti＋CuTi＋CuTi2 in the joints welded with Ni, V, and Cu filler metals, respectively. The tensile strengths of the joints were dependent on the hardness of the interfacial intermetallics. The joint welded with Ag filler metal had the highest tensile strength, which is about 310 MPa.

Microstructures of brazing zone between titanium alloy and stainless steel using various filler metals

Titanium alloy (Ti-Al-V alloy) substrate was brazed with stainless steel (STS304) using filler metal.At an optimized brazing condition,various filler metals were used.Microstructures were observed at each condition.Filler metals were titanium based 40Ti-20Zr-20Cu-20Ni,silver based Ag 5Pd,and nickel based Ni-7Cr-3.1B-4.5Si-3Fe-0.06C (BNi2) and Ni-14Cr-10P-0.06C (BNi7).To select a good filler metal for brazing process,wetting test was performed at 880-1050 °C.It was not brazed using silver based filler metals,but at the conditions using titanium and nickel based filler metals had brazed zone between titanium alloy and stainless steel.However,titanium alloy was eroded during brazing using titanium based filler metals.Nickel based filler metal has a good brazed zone between titanium alloy and stainless steel among the filler metals.

Cavitation erosion behavior of WC coatings on CrNiMo stainless steel by laser alloying

The WC powder was precoated on the surface of CrNiMo stainless steel and then made into an alloying layer by using the laser alloying technique. Phases in the layers were investigated by X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis and surface morphologies after cavitation erosion were observed with the help of scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The cavitation erosion behavior of the CrNiMo stainless steel and WC laser alloying layer in distilled water was tested with the help of ultrasonic vibration cavitation erosion equipment. The results showed that the thickness of the laser alloying layer was about 0.13 mm. The layer had a dense microstructure, metallurgically bonded to the substrate, and no crack had been found. The cavitation erosion mass loss rate of the laser alloying layer was only 2/5 that of the CrNiMo stainless steel. The layer had better cavitation resistance properties because of its metallurgical combination and the strengthening effects of the precipitate phases.

High Nitrogen Austenitic Stainless Steels Manufactured by Nitrogen Gas Alloying and Adding Nitrided Ferroalloys

A simple and feasible method for the production of high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels involves nitrogen gas alloying and adding nitrided ferroalloys under normal atmospheric conditions. Alloying by nitrogen gas bubbling in Fe-Cr-Mn-Mo series alloys was carried out in MoSi2 resistance furnace and air induction furnace under normal atmospheric conditions. The results showed that nitrogen alloying could be accelerated by increasing nitrogen gas flow rate, prolonging residence time of bubbles, increasing gas/molten steel interfaces, and decreasing the sulphur and oxygen contents in molten steel. Nitrogen content of 0.69% in 18Crl8Mn was obtained using air induction furnace by bubbling of nitrogen gas from porous plug. In addition, the nickel-free, high nitrogen austenitic stainless steels with sound and compact macrostructure had been produced in the laboratory using vacuum induction furnace and electroslag remelting furnace under nitrogen atmosphere by the addition of nitrided alloy with the maximum nitrogen content of 0.81%. Pores were observed in the ingots obtained by melting and casting in vacuum induction furnace with the addition of nitrided ferroalloys and under nitrogen atmosphere. After electroslag remelting of the cast ingots, they were all sound and were free of pores. The yield of nitrogen increased with the decrease of melting rate in the ESR process. Due to electroslag remelting under nitrogen atmosphere and the consequential addition of aluminum as deoxidizer to the slag, the loss of manganese decreased obviously. There existed mainly irregular Al2O3 inclusions and MnS inclusions in ESR ingots, and the size of most of the inclusions was less than 5 um. After homogenization of the hot rolled plate at 1 150℃ × 1 h followed by water quenching, the microstructure consisted of homogeneous austenite.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of friction stir-welded C71000 copper–nickel alloy and 304 austenitic stainless steel

Dissimilar joints comprised of copper–nickel and steel alloys are a challenge for manufacturers in modern industries, as these metals are not thermomechanically or chemically well matched. The present study investigated the effects of tool rotational speed and linear speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir-welded C71000 copper–nickel and 340 stainless steel alloys using a tungsten carbide tool with a cylindrical pin. The results indicated that a rotational-to-linear speed ratio of 12.5 r/mm did not cause any macro defects, whereas some tunneling defects and longitudinal cracks were found at other ratios that were lower and higher. Furthermore, chromium carbide was formed on the grain boundaries of the 304 stainless steel near the shoulder zone and inside the joint zone, directing carbon and chromium penetration toward the grain boundaries. Tensile strength and elongation percentages were 84% and 65% of the corresponding values in the copper–nickel base metal, respectively.

Microstructures and properties of capacitor discharge welded joint of TiNi shape memory alloy and stainless steel

Microstructures and properties of capacitor discharge welded （CDW） joint of TiNi shape memory alloy （ SMA ） and stainless steel （SS） were studied. The fracture characteristics of the joint were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope （ SEM）. Microstructures of the joint were examined by means of optical microscope and SEM. The results showed that the teusile strength of the inhomogeneous joint （ TiNi-SS joint） was low and the joint was brittle. Because TiNi SMA and SS melted, a brittle as-cast structure and compound were formed in the weld. The tensile strength and the shape memory effect （SME） of TiNi-SS joint were strongly influenced by the changes of composition and structure of the weld. Measures should be taken to prevent defects from forming and extruding excessive molten metal in the weld for improving the properties of TiNi-SS joint.

Transient liquid phase diffusion bonding of copper alloy to stainless steel using CuMn alloys as interlayer

With CuMn alloy as interlayer, the transient liquid phase (TLP) diffusion bonding of Cu alloys (CuAlBe) to stainless steel (1Cr18Ni9Ti) was studied. The results show that the bonding pressure, time and temperature and the content of Mn in CuMn alloy have great effects on the strength of bonding interface; when they are 1 MPa, 40 min, 1 223 K and 30% respectively, the maximum joint strength of 487 MPa is attained. The fracture occurring at the bonding interface is a plastic one and the effect of Mn has been analyzed.

Effect of welding process on the microstructure and properties of dissimilar weld joints between low alloy steel and duplex stainless steel

To obtain high-quality dissimilar weld joints, the processes of metal inert gas （MIG） welding and tungsten inert gas （TIG） welding for duplex stainless steel （DSS） and low alloy steel were compared in this paper. The microstructure and corrosion morphology of dissimilar weld joints were observed by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）; the chemical compositions in different zones were detected by en- ergy-dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）; the mechanical properties were measured by microhardness test, tensile test, and impact test; the corro- sion behavior was evaluated by polarization curves. Obvious concentration gradients of Ni and Cr exist between the fusion boundary and the type II boundary, where the hardness is much higher. The impact toughness of weld metal by MIG welding is higher than that by TIG weld- ing. The corrosion current density of TIG weld metal is higher than that of MIG weld metal in a 3.5wt% NaC1 solution. Galvanic corrosion happens between low alloy steel and weld metal, revealing the weakness of low alloy steel in industrial service. The quality of joints pro- duced by MIG welding is better than that by TIG welding in mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. MIG welding with the filler metal ER2009 is the suitable welding process for dissimilar metals jointing between UNS $31803 duplex stainless steel and low alloy steel in practical application.

Prediction and optimization of friction welding parameters for joining aluminium alloy and stainless steel

Friction welding （FW） is a process of solid state joining which is used extensively in recent years due to its advantages such as low heat input,production efficiency,ease of manufacture and environment friendliness.Friction welding can be used to join different types of ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals that cannot be welded by traditional fusion welding processes.The process parameters such as friction pressure,forging force,friction time and forging time play the major roles in determining the strength of the joints.In this investigation an attempt was made to develop an empirical relationship to predict the tensile strength of friction welded AA 6082 aluminium alloy and AISI 304 austenitic stainless steels joints,incorporating above said parameters.Response surface methodology （RSM） was applied to optimizing the friction welding process parameters to attain the maximum tensile strength of the joint.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of laser-welded TiNi shape memory alloy and stainless steel wires

The Nd ： YAG laser welding was used to join the TiNi shape memory alloy and AISI304 stainless steel wires. The microstructural features of the dissimilar material joint were analyzed. The tensile and hardness tests were carried out to examine the mechanical properties and microhardness distribution of the welded joint. The results show that the joint has the non-homogeneous microstructure and element distribution. The brittle phases such as Fe2 Ti , Fe Ti , Cr2 Ti , Ti3 Ni4, Feo 2 Ni4.s Ti5 and TiN mainly segregate in rich Ti region of fusion zone. The laser-welded joint has the tensile strength of 298 MPa with the elongation of 3.72 % and exhibits the brittle fracture features on the fracture surfaces. The reasons for low joint strength were discussed in this investigation.