Abstract: A method and associated system for joining workpieces formed of neutron absorbing materials. The method includes positioning first and second workpieces together to form a joint, heating the first and second workpieces at the joint to a plastic condition, intermingling plastic material from the first and second workpieces together at the joint, and cooling the intermingled plastic material to a solid state forming a welded fusion zone comprised of material from the first and second metal matrix composite workpieces. The workpiece material at the joint is not melted by the heating. The heating may be performed by frictionally heating the materials with a rotary tool. In one non-limiting embodiment, the neutron absorbing workpieces may be formed of metal matrix composites comprising aluminum or aluminum alloy and boron carbide.

Abstract: A method and associated system for joining workpieces formed of neutron absorbing materials. The method includes positioning first and second workpieces together to form a joint, heating the first and second workpieces at the joint to a plastic condition, intermingling plastic material from the first and second workpieces together at the joint, and cooling the intermingled plastic material to a solid state forming a welded fusion zone comprised of material from the first and second metal matrix composite workpieces. The workpiece material at the joint is not melted by the heating. The heating may be perforated by frictionally heating the materials with a rotary tool, in one non-limiting embodiment, the neutron absorbing workpieces may be formed of metal matrix composites comprising aluminum or aluminum alloy and boron carbide.