Extrusion-formed uranium-2.4 wt. % article with decreased linear thermal expansion and method for making the same

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:864422

Anderson, Robert C ^[1]; Jones, Jack M ^[2]; Kollie, Thomas G ^[2]

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1. Crossville, TN
2. Oak Ridge, TN

The present invention is directed to the fabrication of an article of uranium-2.4 wt. % niobium alloy in which the linear thermal expansion in the direction transverse to the extrusion direction is less than about 0.98% between 22.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. which corresponds to a value greater than the 1.04% provided by previous extrusion operations over the same temperature range. The article with the improved thermal expansion possesses a yield strength at 0.2% offset of at least 400 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 1050 MPa, a compressive yield strength of at least 0.2% offset of at least 675 MPa, and an elongation of at least 25% over 25.4 mm/sec. To provide this article with the improved thermal expansion, the uranium alloy billet is heated to 630.degree. C. and extruded in the alpha phase through a die with a reduction ratio of at least 8.4:1 at a ram speed no greater than 6.8 mm/sec. These critical extrusion parameters provide the article with the desired decrease in the linear thermal expansion while maintaining the selected mechanical properties without encountering crystal disruption in the article.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4361447
• OSTI ID: 864422
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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extrusion-formed
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linear
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method
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niobium
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transverse
extrusion
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22
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encountering
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mechanical properties
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/148/420/