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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/M43296/01
Title: DIFFUSION BONDING OF ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
Principal Investigator: Todd, Professor RI
Other Investigators:
Ridley, Professor N
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Rolls-Royce Plc
Department: Manchester Materials Science Centre
Organisation: Victoria University of Manchester, The
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 03 March 1999 Ends: 02 March 2001 Value (£): 114,091
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Processing
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Diffusion bonding (DB) is a solid state joining method for metallic alloys. The process involves minimal distortion of the product, and can be used to join thick sections. Bonds with parent metal strength can be produced. DB is already used extensively for joining titanium and duplex stainless steels. This project aims to extend its use to zirconium alloys, which are used in nuclear power generation and chemical plant. Theoretical considerations and preliminary experiments indicate that zirconium should diffusion bond readily. The research will establish the mechanisms involved in the DB of zirconium under a range of conditions, so that the requirements for commercial application can be predicted. The methods to be used build on previous work by the applicants. The replacement of joining processes currently used for zirconium by DB offers the prospect of enhanced reliability and reduced costs, thereby contributing to the competitiveness of UK zirconium fabricators. The project will provide training for a potdoctoral researcher, and it is anticipated that there may be an opportunity for him or her to be involved in its subsequent exploitation by one of the collaborating organisations.
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