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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

SPC-70791 Rev 0 MARVEL Inert Gas Subsystem, Secondary Coolant Management Subsystem, and Secondary Coolant Cover Gas Subsystem Tubing and Valve Specification

This specification covers the requirements and details for the selection, testing, cleaning, marking, shipping, inspection and installation (including welding) of the Inert Gas Subsystem, Secondary Coolant Management Subsystem, and Secondary Cover Gas Management Subsystem from the Valve Panel up to the classification division, the patch panel of the upper confinement. Including NaK, argon, eutectic gallium indium tin (eGaInSn), and helium fill tubing, valves, and hangers. These systems consist of the necessary straight lengths, elbows, reducers, fittings, tube connections, instrument taps, and valves called for by applicable drawings. All components shall be procured as ASME Section III Class 2 unless otherwise modified hereinafter. Pressure relief valves have been sized to prevent overpressure in the event there is full regulator flow. This is documented in ECAR-7365.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗
DOE OSTI2022

Microwave catalytic conversion of acetylene for co-production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes

Natural gas conversion to hydrogen and solid carbon can drastically reduce the carbon footprint. Microwave plasma pyrolysis is an emerging process for chemical industries to directly convert methane (CH 4 ), the major component of natural gas, to hydrogen and carbon, which offers benefits such as fast process dynamics, flexibility, and high product yield. However, the formation of unwanted by-products, like acetylene (C 2 H 2 ), will require extra cost for gas separation. Plasma pyrolysis of CH 4 produces large amount of acetylene at downstream, which is currently used mainly for welding. Here, to avoid gas separation and upgrade acetylene from the downstream of methane plasma reactor, a novel approach toward its transformation to carbon nanotubes (CNT) and pure hydrogen (H 2 ) over Ni-based bimetallic catalyst driven by microwave irradiation has been reported in this work. The dominant gas product was hydrogen. Low concentrations of methane, ethane, and ethylene were observed in the product stream. Catalytic acetylene decomposition was carried out at 400 °C over Al 2 O 3 supported Ni catalyst. The results showed that, at 400 °C, acetylene was dehydrogenated to CNT and hydrogen was the dominant gas in product stream over 10Ni-1Pd-Al 2 O 3 catalyst. Characterizations of spent catalysts was conducted using Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the properties of carbon deposited over the catalyst during the catalytic acetylene decomposition. The results highlight that methane can be efficiently converted to hydrogen and CNT through 2-step process, microwave plasma and microwave catalytic conversion of intermediate acetylene, operated in a single reactor system driven by microwave.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1996

Role of the micro/macro structure of welds in crack nucleation and propagation in aerospace aluminum-lithium alloy

Al-Li alloys offer the benefits of increased strength, elastic modulus and lower densities as compared to conventional aluminum alloys. Martin Marietta Laboratories has developed an Al-Li alloy designated 2195 which is designated for use in the cryogenic tanks of the space shuttle. The Variable Polarity Plasma Arc (VPPA) welding process is currently being used to produce these welds [1]. VPPA welding utilizes high temperature ionized gas (plasma) to transfer heat to the workpiece. An inert gas, such as Helium, is used to shield the active welding zone to prevent contamination of the molten base metal with surrounding reactive atmospheric gases. [1] In the Space Shuttle application, two passes of the arc are used to complete a butt-type weld. The pressure of the plasma stream is increased during the first pass to force the arc entirely through the material, a practice commonly referred to as keyholing. Molten metal forms on either side of the arc and surface tension draws this liquid together as the arc passes. 2319 Al alloy filler material may also be fed into the weld zone during this pass. During the second pass, the plasma stream pressure is reduced such that only partial penetration of the base material is obtained. Al 2319 filler material is added during this pass to yield a uniform, fully filled welded joint. This additional pass also acts to alter the grain structure of the weld zone to yield a higher strength joint.

Talia, George E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Apparatus for a laser welding system

A laser welding system for welding a component and reducing defects in the weld by ensuring uniform, laminar gas flow over a process area of the system. The laser welding system comprises a laser for welding the component, a platform for supporting the component, an enclosure surrounding the platform, a first actuatable barrier, a second actuatable barrier, an actuator, and a controller. The enclosure includes a plurality of walls, one of the walls having an inlet and another wall having an outlet. The inlet and outlet each having an opening having a cross-sectional area for letting gas flow through. The first and second barriers are configured to modify the cross-sectional areas of the openings when actuated. The actuator is configured to actuate the barriers, and the controller is configured to direct the actuator to actuate the barriers so that the cross-sectional area of the first opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second opening so that a pressure at the inlet is greater than a pressure at the outlet.

Sartin, Bryan↗
DOE OSTI2024

Titanium Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Inert Enclosure and Material Handling Safety Considerations

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) via metal inert gas (MIG)/gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a viable option for fabrication of large-scale titanium parts; however, it introduces new safety hazards associated with both the material and the additional system hardware required for the process. Localized gas shielding of the weld arc via standard GMAW torch is inadequate for titanium due to its affinity for oxygen; thereby requiring the use of an inert enclosure to protect the weld from entraining oxygen. The use of the inert enclosure presents potential safety hazards such as operator asphyxiation and brings up discussion of confined space considerations. In addition, the titanium welding process creates pyrophoric titanium soot residue around the deposit, which can undergo deflagration during part cleaning and part removal. This paper provides an overview of the titanium WAAM process along with safety considerations for the design and operation of the inert enclosure as well as functional solutions for the safe handling of the titanium soot by-product.

Walters, Alex↗
NASA NTRS1988

A Generalized Method for Automatic Downhand and Wirefeed Control of a Welding Robot and Positioner

A generalized method for controlling a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot and a two DOF positioner used for arc welding operations is described. The welding path is defined in the part reference frame, and robot/positioner joint angles of the equivalent eight DOF serial linkage are determined via an iterative solution. Three algorithms are presented: the first solution controls motion of the eight DOF mechanism such that proper torch motion is achieved while minimizing the sum-of-squares of joint displacements; the second algorithm adds two constraint equations to achieve torch control while maintaining part orientation so that welding occurs in the downhand position; and the third algorithm adds the ability to control the proper orientation of a wire feed mechanism used in gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding operations. A verification of these algorithms is given using ROBOSIM, a NASA developed computer graphic simulation software package design for robot systems development.

Fernandez, Ken↗
NASA NTRS1993

Method for defect free keyhole plasma arc welding

A plasma arc welding process for welding metal of increased thickness with one pass includes operating the plasma arc welding apparatus at a selected plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current, to form a weld having a penetration ratio to weld height to weld width, and maintaining the penetration ratio at less than 0.74. Parameters for the plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current are adjusted to a steady state condition during a start up period and maintained during the steady state condition to complete a weld. During a terminal stopping period, the travel speed is stopped and instantaneously replaced by filler wire which adds material to fill the keyhole that had been formed by the welding process. Parameters are subsequently adjusted during the stopping period to terminate the weld in a sound manner.

Harwig, Dennis D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

The potential of a GAS can with payload G-169

The feasibility of using welding for the construction, expansion and emergency repair of space based structures is discussed and the advantages of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) over other welding techniques are briefly examined. The objective and design concept for the G-169 Get Away Special payload are described. The G-169 experiment will allow the comparison of a space GTA welded joint with a terrestrial GTA welded joint with all parameters held constant except for gravitational forces. Specifically, a bead-on-plate weld around the perimeter of a 2 inch diameter stainless steel pipe section will be performed. The use of Learjet microgravity simulation for the G-169 and other Get Away Special experiments is also addressed.

Tamir, David↗
NASA NTRS1987

Optical Welding Torch

Gas/tungsten-arc welding torch supports electrode at center while enabling viewing of weld area along torch axis. Gas torch accommodates lens and optical fibers, all part of vision system for welding robot. Welding torch includes spoked structure in central bore of optical body. Structure supports welding electrode, carries electric current to it, and takes heat away from it. Spokes formed by drilling six holes 60 degrees apart around center line of torch.

Richardson, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1999

ARC and Melting Efficiency of Plasma ARC Welds

A series of partial penetration Variable Polarity Plasma Arc welds were made at equal power but various combinations of current and voltage on 2219 Aluminum. Arc efficiency was measured calorimetrically and ranged between 48% and 66% for the conditions of the welds. Arc efficiency depends in different ways on voltage and current. The voltage effect dominates. Raising voltage while reducing current increases arc efficiency. Longer, higher voltage arcs are thought to transfer a greater portion of arc power to the workpiece through shield gas convection. Melting efficiency depends upon weld pool shape as well as arc efficiency. Increased current increases the melting efficiency as it increases the depth to width ratio of the weld pool. Increased plasma gas flow does the same thing. Higher currents are thought to raise arc pressure and depress liquid at the bottom of the weld pool. More arc power then transfers to the workpiece through increasing plasma gas convection. If the power is held constant, the reduced voltage lowers the arc efficiency, while the pool shape change increases the melting efficiency,

McClure, J. C.↗
DOE OSTI2013

Prediction and Monitoring Systems of Creep-Fracture Behavior of 9Cr-1Mo Steels for Teactor Pressure Vessels

A recent workshop on next-generation nuclear plant (NGNP) topics underscored the need for research studies on the creep fracture behavior of two materials under consideration for reactor pressure vessel (RPV) applications: 9Cr-1Mo and SA-5XX steels. This research project will provide a fundamental understanding of creep fracture behavior of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel welds for through modeling and experimentation and will recommend a design for an RPV structural health monitoring system. Following are the specific objectives of this research project: Characterize metallurgical degradation in welded modified 9Cr-1Mo steel resulting from aging processes and creep service conditions; Perform creep tests and characterize the mechanisms of creep fracture process; Quantify how the microstructure degradation controls the creep strength of welded steel specimens; Perform finite element (FE) simulations using polycrystal plasticity to understand how grain texture affects the creep fracture properties of welds; Develop a microstructure-based creep fracture model to estimate RPVs service life; Manufacture small, prototypic, cylindrical pressure vessels, subject them to degradation by aging, and measure their leak rates; Simulate damage evolution in creep specimens by FE analyses; Develop a model that correlates gas leak rates from welded pressure vessels with the amount of microstructural damage; Perform large-scale FE simulations with a realistic microstructure to evaluate RPV performance at elevated temperatures and creep strength; Develop a fracture model for the structural integrity of RPVs subjected to creep loads; and Develop a plan for a non-destructive structural health monitoring technique and damage detection device for RPVs.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1993

Bulge formed cooling channels with a variable lead helix on a hollow body of revolution

A method of constructing a nozzle having cooling channels comprises a shell and a liner which are formed into a body of revolution having an axis of revolution. Helical welds are formed to hold the liner and shell to each other with a channel position being defined between each pair of helical welds. Pressurized fluid which may be a gas or a liquid, is introduced between the weld pairs to outwardly bulge the material of at least one of the liner and shell to define the channels.

McAninch, Michael D.↗
DOE OSTI2014

ARIES Oxide Production Program Monthly Report – April 2014

A summary of the accomplishments, milestones, financial summary, project performance and issues facing the Oxide Production Program for the end of April 2014 is presented in this Executive Summary. PF-4 and ARIES operations remain paused in order to resolve issues and perform an extent-of-condition review for Criticality Safety and Conduct of Operations. On April 28th, Jeff Yarbrough issued a memorandum updating status on the “pause” of PF-4 programmatic operations. He reported that 150 of the procedures that control programmatic operations in PF-4 have successfully resumed. These 150 procedures represent about ½ of the total that will enable us to meet FY14 programmatic commitments. No formal letter of direction will be provided to LANS via the NNSA Field Office contracting officer to address the direction relative to shipments, analytical chemistry sampling and guidance for financial adjustments in FY14 and FY15. LANS will provide a revised plan based on the funding profile included in the President’s Budget Request for the remainder of FY14 and FY15 to include revised FY14 milestones and proposed FY15 milestones. The ARIES Pit Cutter project met the NNSA milestone (Complete Design of Simple Pit Disassembly Equipment [ARIES Pit Cutter] – Due 8/15/14) by completing the fabrication design on 4/3/14, well in advance of the 8/15/14 due date. The project team has started procurement of long-lead items in preparation of the prototype fabrication and cold testing. The fabrication is scheduled to complete in FY14 and the cold testing will begin in FY14 and complete in early FY15. LANL and PNNL met on April 14 to discuss the path forward for PNNL criticality support to the program. The consensus was that PNNL resources can be effectively applied to the generation of detailed CSEs to support the program independent of the current ESS strategy. FY15 program planning is underway. The team is working on planning/drafting the work packages and developing the schedule under the assumption that operations will begin October 1, 2014. A planning schedule has been finalized and the team is meeting regularly to discuss details at the work package and WBS levels. The FY15 PMP is also in the process of being updated. The goal is to have all the drafts reviewed/approved and finalized prior to the start of the FY. MQ personnel have completed ADPSM Management Assessment: Evaluate Quality Roles and Responsibility Agreements between ADPSM and LANL Technical Support Organizations (PFITS 2011-1943). Two findings and four opportunities for improvement were reported. The robotic lathe controller upgrade has entered the construction phase of the project. The controller cabling IWD pre-job meeting was completed. The initial robotic lathe functional test was completed. The existing controller power supply disconnect is scheduled for early May. The NDA Cage project team received notification on 3/28/14 to restart the NDA cage project. Since then the team have been busy with activities that include assigning a planner, getting the construction work package ready for construction and getting the USQ completed. The electrical services installation for the new welding skid for the Inner Can Welder was completed. A gas bottle rack, used to support welding operations, will be installed in early May. The Outer Can Welder design is complete and the IWD is in development to execute construction. Installation materials have been ordered. Work continues on the MD-2 preliminary design. The project engineer is performing a technical evaluation of the Project Management Plan that was submitted by the design agent in response to the LANL Request for Proposal. If all requirements have been captured, LANL procurement will develop a contract and give the design agent notice to proceed on the preliminary design. Estimated completion is scheduled for September 2014. The design for the TA-55 Bldg. 314 warehouse was issued at 90% complete and has begun the last review process. A constructability review is scheduled for early May. The Project Manager has been working with the LANL estimating group to get the class 3 estimate for review. The Oxide Production Cage Upgrade project has kicked-off efforts on the 30% design. Requirements documentation has been drafted. The floor space was walked-down with other project managers and stakeholders and the boundaries were agreed upon.

ARIES↗
NASA NTRS1994

Improved Abutting Edges For Welding In Keyhole Mode

Welds of better quality made, and/or heat input reduced. Improved shapes devised for abutting edges of metal pieces to be joined by plasma arc welding in keyhole mode, in which gas jet maintains molten hole ("keyhole") completely through thickness of weld joint. Edges of metal pieces to be welded together machined to provide required combination gap and shaped, thin sections. Shapes and dimensions chosen to optimize weld in various respects; e.g., to enhance penetration of keyhole or reduce heat input to produce joint of given thickness.

Harwing, Dennis D.↗