[ Welding ] where salty liquids that attract moisture from the air form on the surfaces of containers , leading to CISCC . Such failures could eventually cause nuclear radiation leakage , endangering nearby populations . Historically , gas metal arc welding ( GMAW ) has been used to repair CISCC in the fusion-welded regions of the dry storage canisters . However , GMAW involves high heat input , melting and solidification , which are undesirable for the safety of on-site canister manufacture and repair . Menezes and Misra ’ s research introduces a novel concept combining advanced hybrid laser-arc welding ( HLAW ) with high-pressure cold spray ( HPCS ) post-processing . This HPCS additive deposition method enhances surface structural integrity by using the kinetic energy of powder particles , which impinge on the substrate at high velocity and pressure . Unlike traditional thermal energy-based methods , HPCS does not generate thermal stress , oxidation or other detrimental effects , making it a costcompetitive alternative . The proposed technique is expected to significantly enhance the performance of dry storage canisters , delaying CISCC initiation and propagation . The HLAW process is anticipated to produce weld joints with superior resistance to pitting corrosion and CISCC compared to conventional GMAW joints . Additionally , the HPCS coating acts as a barrier , further mitigating CISCC . The enhanced resistance and longevity of the dry storage canisters achieved through this research could save millions of dollars in repair and rework costs , while also increasing safety and security for spent nuclear fuels storage applications . The project involves both experimental and computational work .
[ Welding ] where salty liquids that attract moisture from the air form on the surfaces of containers , leading to CISCC . Such failures could eventually cause nuclear radiation leakage , endangering nearby populations . Historically , gas metal arc welding ( GMAW ) has been used to repair CISCC in the fusion-welded regions of the dry storage canisters . However , GMAW involves high heat input , melting and solidification , which are undesirable for the safety of on-site canister manufacture and repair . Menezes and Misra ’ s research introduces a novel concept combining advanced hybrid laser-arc welding ( HLAW ) with high-pressure cold spray ( HPCS ) post-processing . This HPCS additive deposition method enhances surface structural integrity by using the kinetic energy of powder particles , which impinge on the substrate at high velocity and pressure . Unlike traditional thermal energy-based methods , HPCS does not generate thermal stress , oxidation or other detrimental effects , making it a costcompetitive alternative . The proposed technique is expected to significantly enhance the performance of dry storage canisters , delaying CISCC initiation and propagation . The HLAW process is anticipated to produce weld joints with superior resistance to pitting corrosion and CISCC compared to conventional GMAW joints . Additionally , the HPCS coating acts as a barrier , further mitigating CISCC . The enhanced resistance and longevity of the dry storage canisters achieved through this research could save millions of dollars in repair and rework costs , while also increasing safety and security for spent nuclear fuels storage applications . The project involves both experimental and computational work .
Related work with the DOE Misra and Menezes have been collaborating for the past three years on a similar project funded by the US Department of Energy , which is responsible for research and development into the long-term disposition of spent nuclear fuel . This other project , supported by USD 799,000 in DOE funding , focuses on mitigating stress corrosion cracking in nuclear storage canisters through various peening techniques . The project offers an alternative approach to extending the lifespan of the welded areas in dry storage casks by applying mechanical and thermal peening techniques .
About the researchers
Menezes brings over 20 years of research experience in surface modification techniques , degradation analysis , HPCS and finite element modeling . He has written over 180 refereed journal publications , 10 books and holds one issued US patent . Recognized as a leading scientist , Menezes boasts a Google Scholar citation count exceeding 10,000 and an H-index of 50 . He was listed among the top scientists by Research . com in its 2024 national rankings and is also featured in Elsevier ’ s top 2 % of scientists worldwide , both for career-long and single-year contributions . Misra , with over 200 papers published in refereed journals and 14 issued US patents , is a longtime collaborator of Menezes ’. Their partnership has previously secured several significant grants , including those from the National Science Foundation , NASA , the DOE ’ s Advanced Manufacturing Office and the Nuclear Energy University Program .
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