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THE IMPACT PROPERTIES OF UNALLOYED PLUTONIUM

Journal Article · · Trans. Met. Soc. AIME
OSTI ID:4792605

The effect of temperature on the unnotched and notched Charpy impact properties of Pu was studied in the alpha , beta , gamma , and delta phases encompassing a temperature range of --45 to 330 deg C. For unnotched specimens impact energies generally increased with increasing test temperature in the alpha and beta phases. Brittle failures were obtained in these phases. The specimens tested in the gamma phase did not fracture but bent in a U-shape and pulled through the anvil. Impact energies for the Charpy V-notched specimens were much lower than for the unnotched specimens at corresponding temperatures. Brittle failures were obtained in the k 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 phases is discussed from the standpoint of grain boundary effects and microcracking. (auth)

Research Organization:
General Electric Co., Richland, Wash.
NSA Number:
NSA-16-010583
OSTI ID:
4792605
Report Number(s):
HW-SA-2293
Journal Information:
Trans. Met. Soc. AIME, Journal Name: Trans. Met. Soc. AIME Vol. Vol: 224
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English