Laser Welding Precision Miniature Assemblies.
Abstract
The program objective was to demonstrate laser welding capabilities by fabricating precision miniature null-point calorimeter slugs to be used and/or evaluated by the Air Force Materials Laboratory in calibration of the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory's 50-megawatt arc-jet test facility. The state-of-the-art of null-point calorimeter fabrication and laser welding is reviewed. Parameters for welding 0.0005- to 0.002-in.-thick chromel-alumel thermocouple wires to thin copper sheets were optimized using appropriate fixturing. 1/16-in.-diameter OFHC copper slugs were drilled with 0.012-in.-diameter flatbottom holes to extreme tolerances. Ultraminiature sheathed thermocouple assemblies with 0.0008-in.-diameter wires were laser welded to the interior of the slug cavity by a melt-through technique. Eight finished calorimeter slugs were delivered to AFML. Advantages of the process include ease of fabrication, strength and reliability of joint, and cost savings. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0901523
Entities
People
- David Kloepper
Organizations
- Grumman