Fundamental study on electron beam weld sections and strengths using AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy plate

This study was carried out to establish an electron beam welding process for a nuclear fuel plate assembly fabrication. A preliminary investigation for plate fuel fabrication was conducted with a consideration of weld performance using AA6061-T6 aluminum alloy made by the electron beam welding process. The optimum welding parameters for the fuel plate assembly were obtained in terms of the accelerating voltage, beam current and welding time. The soundness of the weld region between the side plate and the end fitting for the fuel plate assembly was proven by the intact of the weld metal on the fractured surfaces. The integrity of the welds by the electron beam welding process was also confirmed by the results of the tensile test, an examination of the cross sections and the fracture surfaces of the welded specimens.