SOME THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN VACUUM INDUCTION MELTING OF URANIUM ALLOYS.
Abstract
Procedures of melting, refining and casting of depleted uranium alloys are developed utilizing vacuum induction melting techniques, a hand-rammed commercially pure magnesia crucible and a phosphate-bonded zircon sand mold. It is believed that this combination yields a melting and casting procedure that results in a reduction of residual gas content; secondly, minimizes crucible-melt reactions; and thirdly, avoids possible metal-mold reactions. Optimum results with this procedure are obtained by pouring the molten uranium under dynamic vacuum conditions to obtain a stream degassing effect and then introducing a positive pressure of inert gas immediately upon filling the mold, in order to prevent nucleation and possible evolution of gas during solidification. The overall processing procedure results in a reduction of residual gas concentration in the uranium alloy and produces castings with ductile qualities in the as-cast condition. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0610003
Entities
People
- Philip S. Schaffer