Generation of samples containing real life defects in a range of metals of interest to fusion characterised by the most appropriate NDE method

In this section

Back to Core Research Programme AMorph – 4D Printing for Field Morphing Structures Automation of Composite and Hybrid Joining Process Coaxial Wire Additive Manufacturing Processes and In-Line Monitoring Tools Development of Coded Excitation Technique for Non-Metallic Pipes Inspection Development of Digital Twin technology as a demonstrator for real-time integrity assessment of crack growth in tensile specimens Development of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) for Hydrogen Fuel Storage Tanks Development of Leak-Before-Break Hydrogen Storage Composite Pressure Vessels With Polymeric Liner Establishing Assessment Methods for Determining Safe Service Limits of High-Temperature Materials in Extreme Environments Fracture toughness in aggressive environments: effect of crack monitoring techniques on test results In-process detection and non-destructive testing of electron beam weld imperfections Internal Bore Coatings for Applications in Corrosion and Hydrogen Environment Joining of Additively Manufactured Materials Long term behaviour of polymeric liner materials/coatings in hydrogen service Techniques for High Temperature Ultrasonic Inspection of Arc Welding Ultimate Leverage Fund

Project Code: 35859

Start date and planned duration: March 2024, 24 months

Objective

Increase knowledge of possible joining techniques for fusion related materials
Generation of a library of reference samples with fusion related defects
Determine optimum non-destructive testing techniques for fusion related defects and materials
Sectioning of selected reference samples to validate NDT capability.

Project Outline

The concept of this programme of work is to generate a selection of reference samples composed of both fine scale and macro scale joining techniques with and without related defects. The reference samples will be created in materials relevant to the fusion industry to allow the development of the understanding of the possible joining and inspection capabilities. Both similar and dissimilar material joining will be investigated to broaden the knowledge field. Multiple types of joining techniques will be investigated including both fusion and solid-state bonding. The defect types and their related characteristics will be chosen by subject matter expert panel using advice from both industrial mentors and TWI departments. Each sample will be inspected using the most appropriate non-destructive evaluation (NDE) method with each being conducted in accordance with current ISO standards. Each reference sample will be sections to validate defect detection and characterisation using NDE and will also allow the assessment of the defect fabrication accuracy for the manufactured reference blocks.

Industry Sectors

- Power- Fusion sector

Benefits to Industry

This programme of work will allow the development of industry precedence and procedures within the fusion sector to aid in the acceleration within the UK of a commercially ready fusion reactor.