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Joining of Tungsten Armor Using Functional Gradients

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-96ER82257
Agency Tracking Number: 34652
Amount: $750,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1997
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
4914 D Moores Mill Road
Huntsville, AL 35811
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mr. Timothy McKechnie
 Director
 (205) 851-7653
Business Contact
 Ms. Cheri McKechnie
Title: President
Phone: (205) 851-7653
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

40903 November 18, 1996
Plasma Processes, Inc.

Due to its high melting point, good thermal conductivity, low sputtering rate, and disruption resistance, tungsten armor is being considered for magnetic fusion energy devices such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). However, the joining of tungsten tiles (3-5 mm thick) to copper substrates remains a critical issue. Most contemporary joining techniques (welding, fastening, etc.) can not be used. Brazing and diffusion bonding may make joints possible, but these technologies are difficult to use on large curved reactor surfaces. This project will use innovative functional gradient technologies to strongly join tungsten to copper alloy heat sinks without the use of silver or gold. The copper/tungsten functional gradient maximizes the integral bonding of the dissimilar metals while minimizing thermal strains that would otherwise develop. Divertor mockups will be made and thermal cycled at ITER heat fluxes to prove the superior thermal fatigue life of the innovative functional gradient joint.

Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Commercial applications include furnace crucibles, rocket engine combustion chambers, high temperature containment assemblies for hazardous materials, welding electrodes, MHD generator electrodes, etc.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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