Papers by Keyword: Narrow-Gap Weld

Abstract: In this study, the plastic η -factors of the SA508Cl.1a narrow-gap welding part, which is used for the primary piping system in a nuclear power plant were obtained by using finite element analysis and the modified fracture toughness testing method was suggested for the narrow-gap welding part. Also, we have performed the fracture toughness test for the SA508Cl.1a narrow-gap welding part by applying the new testing method and then we compared the results with those from the ASTM fracture toughness test.

Abstract: Conventionally, shielded-metal arc welding (SMAW) process has been applied to join pipes of reactor coolant loop, which caused defects and lot of loss in time and cost due to excessive heat input in joining section. Recently, narrow-gap welding (NGW) process was introduced to overcome the disadvantages of SMAW. However, the application of NGW to nuclear power plant is not yet commonly used, because safety of NGW process is not fully proven. In the present paper, welded coupons are made of stainless steel. They are manufactured under different processes; general welding (GW), and repair welding after GW. Performed are various mechanical tests to investigate microstructure, tensile strength and so on. It is verified that the mechanical properties of stainless steel are slightly changed after repair welding process. It is also found from stress corrosion cracking tests that the failure time of repair welding is shorter than that of general welding.

Abstract: Conventionally, shield metal arc welding (SMAW) process was applied to join pipes of RCL, which caused lot of loss in time and cost due to excessive heat input and defects in joining section. Recently, narrow-gap welding (NGW) process was introduced to overcome the disadvantages of SMAW. However, the application of NGW to nuclear power plant is not yet common because safety of NGW process is not proven. In present paper, the welded coupons are manufactured under different welding processes in carbon steel. Then, microstructure observations and various mechanical tests are performed. It is verified that the mechanical properties of carbon steel are greatly changed after repair welding process due to applied heat flux, and that the effect of post-welding heat treatment is beneficial.