TERNARY ALLOY-CONTAINING PLUTONIUM
Ternary alloys of uranium and plutonium containing as the third element either molybdenum or zirconium are reported. Such alloys are particularly useful as reactor fuels in fast breeder reactors. The alloy contains from 2 to 25 at.% of molybdenum or zirconium, the balance being a combination of uranium and plutonium in the ratio of from 1 to 9 atoms of uranlum for each atom of plutonium. These alloys are prepared by melting the constituent elements, treating them at an elevated temperature for homogenization, and cooling them to room temperature, the rate of cooling varying with the oomposition and the desired phase structure. The preferred embodiment contains 12 to 25 at.% of molybdenum and is treated by quenching to obtain a body centered cubic crystal structure. The most important advantage of these alloys over prior binary alloys of both plutonium and uranium is the lack of cracking during casting and their ready machinability.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-015929
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2926083
- OSTI ID:
- 4184110
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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