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Tool allows flat plate diffusion welding to be done in standard brazing furnace. Weld is achieved using high water pressure applied by hand-operated positive-displacement pump. Good welds have been obtained between nickel and nickel-base alloy plates at temperature of 1200 K and water pressure of 13.8 million N/sq m.

Advanced fabrication techniques applicable to Thermal Skin structures were investigated, including: (1) chemical machining; (2) braze bonding; (3) diffusion bonding; and (4) electron beam welding. Materials investigated were nickel and nickel alloys. Sample Thermal Skin panels were manufactured using the advanced fabrication techniques studied and were structurally tested. Results of the program included: (1) development of improved chemical machining processes for nickel and several nickel alloys; (2) identification of design geometry limits; (3) identification of diffusion bonding requirements; (4) development of a unique diffusion bonding tool; (5) identification of electron beam welding limits; and (6) identification of structural properties of Thermal Skin material.