THE UNDERWATER APPLICATION OF EXOTHERMIC WELDING

Existing welding processes which have been adapted for underwater use impose serious problems and often produce welds of questionable quality. This thesis presents an investigation of a process previously untested in the underwater environment. The overall objective of the study is the conceptual design of a device which could be used to exothermically weld a stud, bar, or padeye to underwater structures. The process is commonly called thermit welding. Several problem areas of both long and short range interest are considered. A theoretical temperature simulation model is developed and verified. The effects of wetness on weld strength and the ability of the thermit process to weld on a "dirty" surface are investigated experimentally. A conceptual design is prepared using experimental results. By far the most important conclusion arising out of the study is that the thermit process can be applied successfully underwater.

• Corporate Authors:

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Department of Ocean Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Avenue
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02139
• Authors:
  • Anderssen, A H
• Publication Date: 1972-6

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Research; Welding
• Old TRIS Terms: Underwater welding; Welding research; Welding techniques
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044174
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 11 1973 12:00AM