Characterization of Uranium-3/4% Titanium Alloys Extruded from the Gamma Phase.
Abstract
High density and tensile properties can be achieved in U-3/4% Ti by water quenching from the gamma phase and subsequently ageing at lower temperature. These high quench rates have been found to give rise to centreline cracking and void formation in medium and large diameter bars (i.e. greater than approximately 20mm diameter). The effects of quench rate, mode of quenching and subsequent ageing treatments on microstructure and properties of a U-3/4 wt% Ti alloy have been investigated. Particular emphasis has been placed upon heat treatment of 35mm diameter, gamma-extruded, bar. Cooling rates in the range 2 - 480/ks were obtained, resulting in a wide spectrum of microstructures ranging from granular alpha after slow rates of cooling to almost fully martensitic alpha prime after faster cooling. By optimising the rate and mode of quenching the problems of centreline cracking and void formation have been circumvented. Even at the fastest cooling rates only approximately half to three-quarters of the available titanium was retained in solution. Nevertheless, subsequent ageing at 450 C produced hardnesses in excess of 480 Hv sub 30 due to precipitation of U2 Ti.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA103807
Entities
People
- G. B. Brook
- R. I. Saunderson