Joining of uranium alloys

The technology for joining dilute (up to 10 weight percent) alloys of uranium is reviewed. Information is presented for alloys with the following elements: aluminum, chromium, hafnium, iridium, iron, molybdenum, nickel, niobium, silicon, tantalum, thorium, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, and zirconium. The principal welding methods are electron beam and gas tungsten-arc, with a lesser amount of work on friction, laser, and plasma-arc welding being reported. Also discussed are solid-state bonding, brazing, electrochemical joining, resistance welding, and less commonly used arc processes. Safety considerations, cleaning methods, and joint preparation are included. The effects of alloying elements on weldability are described and mechanical test data that would be useful to the designer of uranium alloy weldments are included. Data are presented on impurity elements often found in uranium-base alloys and their effect on weldability. Work using computerized multipass procedures on heat- treatable uraniumtitanium alloys demonstrates the future possibilities in uranium alloy welding. (auth)