An investigation of bundle welding characteristics using a zircaloy-4 endplate

This study is to investigate the optimum conditions of a RW for a Zr-4 endplate welding. RW parameters which affect the weld nugget and the penetration depth were experimentally examined. Also, a joint geometry and an effect of torque strength by using Zr-4 endplate specimens were investigated. It was found that the weld current was 3800 A, the pressure of main electrode was 4 BAR and the weld cycle was 3 cycle. In the strength test of the welded specimens by using Zr-4 endplate specimens, both the outer rods and the inner rods of fuel bundle were found to have greater torque values than that of the production specimens by using the used specimens(commercial products), and further to have low fluctuations in the endplate welds by using the projection typed specimens.