Microstructural characterization and properties of dissimilar joints used in coupling of PWR control rod driving

The chemical, mechanical and microstructural characterizations of a dissimilar joint between SA336F347 austenitic and SA479Tp414 martensitic stainless steels were done, welded by TIG process, defining as a result of this characterization that the ER Ni Cr-3 Ni consumable seems to be the best applicable consumable compared to the ER309L consumable; The main variables of the process control were also evaluated, its weldability and properties for a future qualification of a welding procedure, besides to simulate possible situations to be found in this type of joint, such as, its weldability by the LASER process, welded joint without filler metal and without shielding gas, obtaining in this way enough data for the production of products that contains this type of joint. (author)