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Fabrication and characterization of uranium-6--niobium alloy plate with improved homogeneity

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6350467· OSTI ID:6350467
Chemical inhomogeneities produced during arc melting of uranium--6 weight percent niobium alloy normally persist during fabrication of the ingot to a finished product. An investigation was directed toward producing a more homogeneous product (approx. 13.0-mm plate) by a combination of mechanical working and homogenization. Ingots were cast, forged to various reductions, homogenized under different conditions, and finally rolled to 13.0-mm-thick plate. It was concluded that increased forging reductions prior to homogenization resulted in a more homogeneous plate. Comparison of calculated and experimentally measured niobium concentration profiles indicated that the activation energy for the diffusion of niobium in uranium--niobium alloys may be lower than previously observed.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6350467
Report Number(s):
Y-2135
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English