An Assessment of Molten Metal Detachment Hazards for Electron Beam Welding in the Space Environment: Analysis and Test Results

NASA/TM-207979, Nunes, Jr., A.C. and Fragomeni*, J.M. and Russell, C. and Bhat, B. and Cramer, J.M., An Assessment of Molten Metal Detachment Hazards for Electron Beam Welding in the Space Environment: Analysis and Test Results, Materials and Processes Laboratory, Science and Engineering Directorate, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, *Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, May 1998, pp. 28, Format(s): PDF 1903k

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Conditions under which molten metal detachments might occur in a space welding environment are analyzed. A weld pool detachment parameter specifying conditions for pool detachment by impact is derived and corroborated by experimental evidence. Impact detachment for the pool is unlikely. Impact detachment for a drop of metal on the end of the weld wire may be possible under extreme conditions. Other potential causes of molten metal detachment considered, vaporization pressure forces and wire flickout from the pool, did not appear to present significant detachment threats.

Keywords:	electron beam welding, molten metal detachment, welding in space
Subjects:	Engineering: Engineering (General)
ID Code:	429
Deposited On:	16 July 2002