Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear power and can be used in the manufacture of fuel elements for nuclear reactors. Embodiments of a welded joint between a fuel element casing and a plug comprised of high-chromium steel are proposed, providing for increased durability of the sealing of nuclear reactor fuel elements as a result of the formation of a high quality welded joint between the casing and the plug without the need for subsequent heat treatment of the weld seam, which simplifies the manufacturing process. This is achieved through the formation of a ferrite phase in the metal of the seam by adjusting the structure of a joint between the casing and the plug of ferrite-martensite and ferrite steels in various combinations and by keeping the necessary ranges of the size ratios to ensure the formation of the aforesaid phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear power and can be used in manufacturing of fuel elements for nuclear reactors. A method of sealing nuclear reactor fuel elements is proposed comprising welding one end of a casing with a first plug, loading the fuel element with fuel, and welding a second plug to another end of the casing. The casing is of a high-chromium ferrite-martensite steel and the plugs are of a ferrite steel. Argon arc welding is carried out at a volume ratio of the materials of the casing and the plugs contributing to formation of the metal of the weld seam which allows formation of a ferrite phase in said metal, wherein the ratio is: V1/V2?0.18, where V1 is the volume of ferrite material and V2 is the volume of ferrite-martensite material. Argon arc welding is carried out at a current of 14-20 A, a speed of 12-15 m/h, an arc voltage of 9-10 V and an argon flow rate of 7-8 l/min. This method provides for the desired quality of the welded joins and simplifies the fuel element manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear power and can be used in the manufacture of fuel elements for nuclear reactors. Embodiments of a welded joint between a fuel element casing and a plug comprised of high-chromium steel are proposed, providing for increased durability of the sealing of nuclear reactor fuel elements as a result of the formation of a high quality welded joint between the casing and the plug without the need for subsequent heat treatment of the weld seam, which simplifies the manufacturing process. This is achieved through the formation of a ferrite phase in the metal of the seam by adjusting the structure of a joint between the casing and the plug of ferrite-martensite and ferrite steels in various combinations and by keeping the necessary ranges of the size ratios to ensure the formation of the aforesaid phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to nuclear power and can be used in manufacturing of fuel elements for nuclear reactors. A method of sealing nuclear reactor fuel elements is proposed comprising welding one end of a casing with a plug, both of high-chromium steel, loading the fuel element with fuel, and welding a second plug to another end of the casing. The casing is of a high-chromium ferrite-martensite steel and the plug is of a high-chromium ferrite steel. Argon arc welding is carried out at a volume ratio of the materials of the casing and the plug contributing to formation of the metal of the weld seam which allows formation of a ferrite phase in said metal, wherein the ratio is: V1/V2>18, where V1 is the volume of ferrite material and V2 is the volume of ferrite-martensite material. Argon arc welding is carried out at a current of 14-20 A, a speed of 12-15 m/h, an arc voltage of 9-10 W and an argon flow rate of 7-8 1/min.