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U.S. Department of Energy
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Metallographic techniques and microstructures: uranium alloys

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7062256

The techniques used for the metallographic analysis of uranium and its alloys are discussed. Sample preparation and characterization procedures are described for: optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. A brief overview of electron optics, electron/sample interactions, signal detectors, and x-ray microanalysis is presented. Typical uranium alloy microstructures observed by these techniques are presented and discussed. The microstructures examined include those produced by the diffusional decomposition of ..gamma..:U-0.75Ti and ..gamma..:U-6Nb, the martensitic decomposition of U-2Mo, U-6Nb, U-0.75Ti and Mulberry, and the aging of quenched U-2Mo.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
7062256
Report Number(s):
SAND-81-1014; ON: DE82022230
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English