Assessment of Mechanical Property of Ti-5Ta-2Nb and 304L SS Explosive Clad and Correlation with Microstructure

Spent fuel reprocessing plants of FBRs require advanced structural materials for service in aggressive conditions. Ti-5Ta-2Nb is a candidate structural material for electrolytic dissolver whereas 304L SS is used for rest of the plant. ‘Zero failure’ requirement for the process vessels necessitated the development of defect free explosive clad between Ti-5Ta-2Nb and 304L SS. The paper deals with the investigations carried out on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the explosive clads, and modification in microstructure on subsequent thermal exposure. The structural integrity of the clad as a consequence of these structure-property changes is also discussed in the paper.