DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/PWRD-D869
Defense Date
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
First Advisor
Gokul Vasudevamurthy
Abstract
Silicon Carbide (SiC) is increasingly gaining attention as a potential fuel cladding material, on account of its favorable thermo-mechanical and neutronic properties. The major limitations of such a cladding is currently associated with joining and hermetic sealing. The work presented here investigated the use of Al, Cr and Fe metals and a specialized alloy (FeCrAl) to achieve hermetic sealing of SiC tubes as well as a joining technology of SiC. Major part of solving this issue requires addressing joining of ceramic and metallic components, which are largely dissimilar in both thermal and mechanical properties. Preliminary experiments to bond SiC with FeCrAl resulted in adverse separation partially attributed to the differences in thermal expansion mismatch. To alleviate these problems, thin and thick coatings of the metals and alloys were applied to SiC. Qualitative microstructural characterization of the final product indicated satisfactory bonding between the materials.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-19-2014