NIOBIUM-20 W/O URANIUM, HIGH-TEMPERATURE METALLIC FUEL OF THE FUTURE
An alloy containing niobium-20 wt.% uranium was devel oped for reactor fuel applications. The fabrication characteristics, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior in air, CO/sub 2/, NaK, water, and steam were studied. After consumable arc melting. the alloy was successfully forged at 1370 deg C and rolled at 980 deg C to sheet. Representative specimens showed only slight reductions in hardness up to 900 deg C. The 0.2% offset yield strength was 93.000 psi at 24 deg C and 71.000 psi at 870 deg C. At a stress of 63.000 psi at 870 deg C. 200 hr were required to cause rupture. The corrosion life of niobium-20 wt.% uranium was superior to that of unalloyed niobium in 300 deg C air and in CO/sub 2/ at 316 deg C. In 1000 hr of exposure to 316 deg C water. this alloy exhibited corrosion rates only two or three (0.003 mg/cm/sup 2//hr) times greater than that of Zircaloy-2 (0.001 mg/cm/sup 2//hr). This alloy appears to be compatible with NaK at 870 deg C. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Battelle Memorial Inst., Columbus, Ohio
- NSA Number:
- NSA-15-014778
- OSTI ID:
- 4058470
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Sci. and Eng., Journal Name: Nuclear Sci. and Eng. Vol. Vol: 9
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
NIOBIUM--PROMISING HIGH-TEMPERATURE REACTOR-CORE MATERIAL
OXIDATION RESISTANCE OF NIOBIUM-BASE ALLOYS