Microstructural modelling and characterisation of laser-keyhole welded Eurofer 97

Abstract

The novel reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel Eurofer 97 is employed by many concept designs for the plasma-facing first wall of the EU DEMO fusion reactor. These designs feature precision joints between Eurofer 97 coolant piping, for which an advanced laser-keyhole welding technique is proposed. In this work the microstructure of these novel laser-keyhole Eurofer 97 welds is modelled by combining finite element thermal analysis with precipitate kinetics modelling. Microanalysis of a representative specimen via scanning electron and high-speed atomic force microscopy techniques is also conducted, complimented by electron backscatter diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and nanoindentation hardness testing. Models of the weld microstructure agree well with the results of microanalysis although the precipitate diameters predicted are slightly underestimated. Several large void defects were discovered within the weld fusion zone, the cause of which is suspected to arise from the evaporation of cerium-rich oxide inclusions present in the as-cast Eurofer 97 during welding.

Keywords

• Microstructure
• Welding
• Precipitation kinetics
• Analytical electron microscopy
• Atomic force microscopy