THE EFFECTS OF SOLUTES ON THE DUCTILE-TO-BRITTLE TRANSITION IN REFRACTORY METALS

Technical Report · Thu Jun 28 04:00:00 EDT 1962

OSTI ID:4802930

Hahn, G T; Gilbert, A; Jaffee, R I

A summary is given of the effects of both interstitial and substitutional solutes, as well as dispersions, on ductileto-brittle transition in refractory metals. An attempt is made to provide a unified treatment of the effects of solutes in Groups V-A (V, Nb, and Ta) and VI-A (Cr, Mo, and W) transition refractory metals. Generalizations are presented in the form of propositions and are discussed and documented in some cases. It is concluded that there are two ways in which interstitials promote brittle behavior in the metals: by locating at the grain boundaries in the form of segregates or precipitates, promoting grain-boundary rupture and crack initiation; and in solid solution by ininhibiting dislocation movement and reducing the resistance to crack propagation. Both embrittling effects operate in Group VI-A metals; whereas, only the latter is significant in Group V-A at the levels of purity currently achieved. Methods for reducing low-temperature brittleness in the two groups are discussed. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Battelle Memorial Inst. Defense Metals Information Center, Columbus, Ohio
• NSA Number: NSA-16-025751
• OSTI ID: 4802930
• Report Number(s): DMIC-Memo-155
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BEHAVIOR
BRITTLENESS
CHROMIUM
CRACKS
DEFECTS
DISPERSIONS
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
LOW TEMPERATURE
METALS
METALS, CERAMICS, AND OTHER MATERIALS
MOLYBDENUM
NIOBIUM
PRECIPITATION
QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
REFRACTORIES
SOLID SOLUTIONS
TANTALUM
TRANSIENTS
TUNGSTEN
VANADIUM