Abstract
In TIG welding of Zircaloy-2 tubing in an atmosphere in which the air partial pressure PAIR decreases with time as high purity inert gases are introduced into a chamber after evacuation to various pressure, the arc voltages were measured and the properties of welds were examined.
The arc voltage increase as the PAIR in the welding atmosphere decreases.
The nitrogen content [N] in the welded metal varies at each circumferentially devided zone, and a linear relation between the √PN2 and [N] was confirmed.
The thickness of surface oxided layers after long time autoclave tests in water with high temperature and pressure are also measured and evaluated.
