Failure analysis of radioisotopic heat source capsules tested under multi-axial conditions
Failure analysis of radioisotopic heat source capsules tested under multi-axial conditions
In order to qualify small radioisotopic heat sources for a 25-yr design life, multi-axial mechanical tests were performed on the structural components of the heat source. The results of these tests indicated that failure predominantly occurred in the middle of the weld ramp-down zone. Examination of the failure zone by standard metallographic techniques failed to indicate the true cause of failure. A modified technique utilizing chemical etching, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis was employed and dramatically indicated the true cause of failure, impurity concentration in the ramp-down zone. As a result of the initial investigation, weld parameters for the heat sources were altered. Example welds made with a pulse arc technique did not have this impurity buildup in the ramp-down zone.
- University of North Texas United States
Direct Energy Converters, Plutonium Isotopes, Even-Even Nuclei, Welded Joints, Actinide Nuclei, Radioisotope Heat Sources, Testing, Failures, Heavy Nuclei, Capsules, 360103 -- Metals & Alloys-- Mechanical Properties, Thermoelectric Generators, Hastelloys, Containers, Iron Alloys, Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems, Isotopes, Tungsten Alloys, Materials Testing, Alloys, Electron Microscopy, Components, Radioisotopes, Microscopy, Tantalum Base Alloys, Alpha Decay Radioisotopes, Nickel Base Alloys, 300303 -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Materials, 36 Materials Science, Actinide Isotopes, Heat Sources, Hastelloy C, Tantalum Alloy-T111, Tantalum Alloys, Years Living Radioisotopes Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300* -- Isotopic Power Supplies, Nuclei, Heat Resisting Alloys, & Auxiliaries, Molybdenum Alloys, Plutonium 238, Nickel Alloys, Metallography, Mechanical Tests, 30 Direct Energy Conversion, Joints, Chromium Alloys, 07 Isotopes And Radiation Sources
Direct Energy Converters, Plutonium Isotopes, Even-Even Nuclei, Welded Joints, Actinide Nuclei, Radioisotope Heat Sources, Testing, Failures, Heavy Nuclei, Capsules, 360103 -- Metals & Alloys-- Mechanical Properties, Thermoelectric Generators, Hastelloys, Containers, Iron Alloys, Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems, Isotopes, Tungsten Alloys, Materials Testing, Alloys, Electron Microscopy, Components, Radioisotopes, Microscopy, Tantalum Base Alloys, Alpha Decay Radioisotopes, Nickel Base Alloys, 300303 -- Thermoelectric Generators-- Materials, 36 Materials Science, Actinide Isotopes, Heat Sources, Hastelloy C, Tantalum Alloy-T111, Tantalum Alloys, Years Living Radioisotopes Nesdps Office Of Nuclear Energy Space And Defense Power Systems 070300* -- Isotopic Power Supplies, Nuclei, Heat Resisting Alloys, & Auxiliaries, Molybdenum Alloys, Plutonium 238, Nickel Alloys, Metallography, Mechanical Tests, 30 Direct Energy Conversion, Joints, Chromium Alloys, 07 Isotopes And Radiation Sources
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