CX-020033: Phase 1 SBIR: Development of a Flexible and Robust Patch Weld for Dry Nuclear Storage Casks

This project has a positive environmental impact. In this project, all federally funded, Shape Change Technologies will develop a patch weld that is specifically designed for sealing high level nuclear waste canister container wall breaches.  These breaches would be called by salt-induced stress corrosion fractures in the stainless steel wall; the salt coming from sea-air  used to cool the container, stored near an ocean.  If breached, a container would release highly toxic radioisotopes in the surrounding air, ocean and land. Our system is specifically designed for the high radiation, high heat environment of these nuclear waste containers.  The development work will be performed in a laboratory setting using no toxic chemicals.