THE IMPACT PROPERTIES OF UNALLOYED PLUTONIUM

Technical Report · Sun Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1961

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/4809338· OSTI ID:4809338

Gardner, H R

The effect of temperature on the unnotched and notched Charpy impact properties of plutonium was studied in the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta phases encompassing a temperature range of -43 to 330 deg C. Impact energies for unnotched specimens generally increased with increasing test temperature in the alpha and beta phases. Brittle failures were obtained in these phases. The specimen tested in the gamma phase did not fracture but bcnt in ofi U-shape and pulled through the anvil. lmpact energies for the Charpy V-notched specimens were much lower than for the unnotched spcc(mens.dt corresponding temperatures. Brittle failures were obtained in the alpha and beta phases; some ductility was evidenced in the gamma phase while the specimen tested in the delta phase did not fracture but bent in a U-shape. It was concluded that the beta phase is quite sensitive to both strain rate and notch effects. Fracture appearance in the alpha and beta phase is discussed from the standpoint of grain boundary effects and microcracking. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-1350
• NSA Number: NSA-16-010529
• OSTI ID: 4809338
• Report Number(s): HW-70607
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
ALLOTROPY
BRITTLENESS
CHARPY TEST
CONFIGURATION
CRACKS
DEFORMATION
DUCTILITY
ENERGY
FAILURES
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
IMPACT SHOCK
LOW TEMPERATURE
MATERIALS TESTING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NOTCHES
PLUTONIUM
PLUTONIUM-ALPHA
PLUTONIUM-BETA
PLUTONIUM-DELTA
PLUTONIUM-GAMMA
SENSITIVITY
TEMPERATURE
VELOCITY