Characterization of copper-stainless steel EXW joints

Explosion welding was applied for joining CuCriZr copper alloy to 316 LN ITER Grade stainless steel and tensile and fracture resistance properties of joints were determined. Explosion welding results significant hardening and strengthening of both metals. Strengthening is non-uniform after explosion welding showing highest values next to joint interface. Post weld heat treatment recovers hardness and mechanical properties of both copper alloy and stainless steel. The studied joints all show ductile behavior and tensile and fracture resistance properties are consistent with unique dislocation structure induced by explosion welding