Improvements in or relating to processes for effecting a weld between the adjoining ends of two members lyingside by side and to welds made by such processes

摘要

960,104. Welding by fusion. UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY. July 28, 1961 [Aug. 4, 1960], No. 27137/60. Heading B3R. An edge weld between the ends of abutting parallel members, e.g. an end cap 3 and a casing 2 of a nuclear fuel element, is made by forming a U-groove 4 in the abutting surfaces of the members 2, 3 and welding with the tip of the electrode of an inert gas shielded arc welding torch below the top of the U-groove 4. The members 2, 3 are of a magnesium alloy containing beryllium or zirconium, e.g. as described in Specification 776,649. A fuel element 1 is clamped in a chuck 6 connectable by a clutch 11 to a motor 10 driving a cam 36 controlling movement of the torch 38 towards the groove 4. The sequence of operations is controlled by cam-actuated switches 19 . . . 22, 30 and 31. A weld is effected by striking the arc and lowering the electrode into the U-groove. The fuel element 1 is rotated through 390 degrees and then rotation is stopped while the electrode is further lowered into the groove. A second pass is then made before the welding current is gradually reduced and the electrode withdrawn. In a modification one pass only is made.