Multi-scale characterisation of residual stress in laser welded EUROFER97 using neutron diffraction and PFIB-DIC methods

To facilitate Remote Maintenance (RM) of demonstration fusion plant, the RM teams at Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) utilise lasers to join EUROFER97 components. Understanding the residual stresses inherited from the rapid welding process, and how this stresses evolve at elevated temperature, plays a pivotal role in avoiding catastrophic failure regarding the structural integrity of fusion power plant. The current proposed study aims to (i) characterise both micro and macro residual stress in laser welded EURFOER97 (ii) investigate the effect of annealing duration on residual stress relaxation to guide the post weld heat treatment processing. The correlation of residual stresses with microstructure and mechanical properties of welded EUORFER97 will be also preformed. This project is funded by Surrey Doctoral College Studentship in collaboration with CCFE.