Deformations induced by laser welding in nuclear components

Abstract

One of the advantages of the application of deep penetration (10–15 mm) laser welding on stainless steel is the reduced deformation induced in the workpiece. This characteristic is of particular importance when welding components subjected to stringent dimensional requirements. This study refers to welding with high power (15 kW) carbon dioxide laser on mock-ups of the components of the sommier of fast reactor nuclear power plants. The deformations measured on the mock-up can be interpreted in the light of the particular geometry of the welded joint studied in order to minimise these effects.