Possibility of transferring welding technologies to extraterrestrial conditions

Abstract

Welding is an important and widespread technological process for the production and repair of structures for various purposes. Most welding processes are based on using of different types of heat sources. When joining metallic materials in most cases the effects of the thermal cycle are present. In particular, thermal exposure leads to the formation of a heat affected zone (HAZ). HAZ is an area adjacent to the joint zone, in which changes in structure, mechanical properties, chemical composition due to heating and further cooling are observed. Depending on the technology and technique of welding, thermal exposure leads to the formation of residual deformations and stresses. These also cause changes in the characteristics of the structural material. Depending on the operating conditions a local damage and failure of the structure as a whole may occur due to such changes.