A method of eliminating dissimilar metal welds has been disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a first part having a first alloy composition; providing a second part having a second alloy composition different from the first part; connecting a containment structure to the first part; pouring a powder into the containment structure such that the powder is in contact with the first part; positioning a portion of the second part in the containment structure such that the second part compresses the powder between the first and second parts; and performing hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to consolidate the powder and join the first and second parts together.

A method of eliminating dissimilar metal welds has been disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a first part having a first alloy composition; providing a second part having a second alloy composition different from the first part; connecting a containment structure to the first part; pouring a powder into the containment structure such that the powder is in contact with the first part; positioning a portion of the second part in the containment structure such that the second part compresses the powder between the first and second parts; and performing hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to consolidate the powder and join the first and second parts together.

Exothermic welding molds, weld-metal containing cartridges for such molds, and methods of use are provided. The mold, cartridges, and methods can provide interaction between the cartridge's disk member with the mold, which allows the housing member to be withdrawn from the mold while leaving the disk member and weld-metal in place. The interaction can be a rotational restraint alone, a vertical restraint alone, or combinations thereof. Alternately, the interaction can be an outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member, a shear force on the housing member and/or disk member, or combinations thereof. The outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member can alternately be provided without interaction between the disk member and the mold, but rather by the simple application of an internal pressure to the cartridge. The internal pressure can be applied by squeezing the walls of the cartridge and/or by depressing a pusher member.

Exothermic welding molds, weld-metal containing cartridges for such molds, and methods of use are provided. The mold, cartridges, and methods can provide interaction between the cartridge's disk member with the mold, which allows the housing member to be withdrawn from the mold while leaving the disk member and weld-metal in place. The interaction can be a rotational restraint alone, a vertical restraint alone, or combinations thereof. Alternately, the interaction can be an outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member, a shear force on the housing member and/or disk member, or combinations thereof. The outward pressure on the housing member and/or disk member can alternately be provided without interaction between the disk member and the mold, but rather by the simple application of an internal pressure to the cartridge. The internal pressure can be applied by squeezing the walls of the cartridge and/or by depressing a pusher member.

A system is provided, comprising a two-sided adapter, made of a Ni-based alloy, that is connected at each of the two sides with a different type of metal, e.g. steel, and wherein the connection of the different types of metal, e.g. steel with the adapter is characterized in that it is achieved at least in part by use of friction welding. A method for linking different types of metal, e.g. steel by using a two-sided adapter as an intermediate, wherein at least one of the adapter-metal (e.g. steel) connections is made by means of friction welding, is also provided.

A system is provided, comprising a two-sided adapter, made of a Ni-based alloy, that is connected at each of the two sides with a different type of metal, e.g. steel, and wherein the connection of the different types of metal, e.g. steel with the adapter is characterized in that it is achieved at least in part by use of friction welding. A method for linking different types of metal, e.g. steel by using a two-sided adapter as an intermediate, wherein at least one of the adapter-metal (e.g. steel) connections is made by means of friction welding, is also provided.

A method of eliminating dissimilar metal welds has been disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a first part having a first alloy composition; providing a second part having a second alloy composition different from the first part; connecting a containment structure to the first part; pouring a powder into the containment structure such that the powder is in contact with the first part; positioning a portion of the second part in the containment structure such that the second part compresses the powder between the first and second parts; and performing hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to consolidate the powder and join the first and second parts together.

A method of eliminating dissimilar metal welds has been disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a first part having a first alloy composition; providing a second part having a second alloy composition different from the first part; connecting a containment structure to the first part; pouring a powder into the containment structure such that the powder is in contact with the first part; positioning a portion of the second part in the containment structure such that the second part compresses the powder between the first and second parts; and performing hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to consolidate the powder and join the first and second parts together.

This disclosure describes various configurations and components for bimetallic and trimetallic claddings for use as a wall element separating nuclear material from an external environment. The cladding materials are suitable for use as cladding for nuclear fuel elements, particularly for fuel elements that will be exposed to sodium or other coolants or environments with a propensity to react with the nuclear fuel.

An implement including a first plate and a second plate, each plate having a contact surface which abuts a contact surface of the other plate to establish an interface plane, and a gradient of at least one additive that is more concentrated at the interface plane and less concentrated in decreasing amounts progressing away from the interface plane and the contact surface for each plate, wherein the at least one additive alters at least one property of each plate. Materials with internal gradients and methods of making same.