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Weldability testing to understand composition effects on eutectic backfilling in Ni-30Cr alloys

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Abstract

Using Ni-30 wt% Cr in nuclear power reactors requires compatible fillers to ensure reliable welded joints. The high chromium content provides resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and niobium (Nb) additions have been made to Ni-30Cr filler metals to provide resistance to ductility dip cracking (DDC). Previous work suggested that increasing Nb from 2–4 to 6–8 wt% reduces cracking susceptibility due to crack healing supported by eutectic backfilling. Additional reduction in solidification cracking is realized when Mo additions are made in conjunction with the higher Nb levels. Based on qualitative evidence that the composition of the eutectic liquid changes grain boundary wetting characteristics and promotes backfilling, the current study was designed to quantify this behavior using a Varestraint-M test (adaptation of the original Varestraint test). The results suggest that when the Nb-rich eutectic also contains Mo, the liquid is more effective in wetting grain boundaries and promoting backfilling. This change in backfilling behavior is attributed to grain boundary wetting variability based on eutectic composition. A better fundamental understanding of the effect of Mo on grain boundary wetting of the Nb-rich eutectic phase will potentially facilitate the development of filler metals that rely on eutectic healing (or backfilling) to provide resistance to solidification cracking.

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Acknowledgments

The lead author (RW) would like to thank the Graduate School at the Ohio State University for providing a fellowship during the first year of graduate studies and to the Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Engineering University Program (NEUP) for providing continuing support through an NEUP Fellowship. Fellow graduate students are recognized for discussion regarding guidance with experimental techniques. We also thank Ed Pfeiffer, support staff in the Welding Engineering Program at OSU, for his dedication and commitment to the development of a safe and sustainable research environment.

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  1. Welding Engineering Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    R. A. Wheeling & J. C. Lippold

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  1. R. A. Wheeling
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  2. J. C. Lippold
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Correspondence to R. A. Wheeling.

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Recommended for publication by Commission IX - Behaviour of Metals Subjected to Welding

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Wheeling, R.A., Lippold, J.C. Weldability testing to understand composition effects on eutectic backfilling in Ni-30Cr alloys. Weld World 64, 83–93 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-019-00806-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40194-019-00806-0

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