Method of increasing the phase stability and the compressive yield strength of uranium-1 to 3 wt. % zirconium alloy
US4604148A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1983 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22F1/18
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A uranium-1 to 3 wt. % zirconium alloy characterized by high strength, high ductility and stable microstructure is fabricated by an improved thermal mechanical process. A homogenous ingot of the alloy which has been reduced in thickness of at least 50% in the two-step forging operation, rolled into a plate with a 75% reduction and then heated in vacuum at a temperature of about 750.degree. to 850.degree. C. and then quenched in water is subjected to further thermal-mechanical operation steps to increase the compressive yield strength approximately 30%, stabilize the microstructure, and decrease the variations in mechanical properties throughout the plate is provided. These thermal-mechanical steps are achieved by cold rolling the quenched plate to reduce the thickness thereof about 8 to 12%, aging the cold rolled plate at a first temperature of about 325.degree. to 375.degree. C. for five to six hours and then aging the plate at a higher temperature ranging from 480.degree. to 500.degree. C. for five to six hours prior to cooling the billet to ambient conditions and sizing the billet or plate into articles provides the desired increase in mechanical properties and phase stability t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.