Resistance/Diffusion Bonding of Titanium Nuclear Fuel Waste Disposal Containers

Abstract

Resistance/diffusion bonding has been shown to be a feasible and promising approach to the final closure of titanium nuclear fuel waste disposal containers. By keeping the bonding temperature below the fusion temperature of titanium, sound diffusion bonds can be made over a wide range of bonding current and process conditions without risk of bulk metal contamination and joint embrittlement. The bonded samples display satisfactory hardness and shear properties. Lack of fusion and defects produced by foreign objects such as grease, paint and glass beads can be detected readily by ultrasonic inspection.