Review of the present state-of-the-art in explosive welding

Abstract

A brief review of the history and simplified mechanism of explosive welding is presented. Consideration is then given to the present state of understanding of the parameters which control the explosive-welding process, and the implications of these parameters in relation to thin- and thick-plate cladding. The problem of cladding large thick plate is then considered and experimental data are reported which support the welding parameters proposed, and which allow definite conclusions to be drawn of the set-up required to achieve welding over the whole plate and close to the edges of the parent plate. Applications of explosive welding to cylindrical surfaces are reported including tube-to-tube welding, plugging of heat exchangers, welding of collars to tubes, etc. In particular, the problem of ligament distortion in tube-to-tubeplate welding and plugging is considered. The alternative possibility of placing bungs in the holes adjoining that in which a tube is being welded is examined. Other applications and potential applications of explosive welding are considered.