The addition of alloying elements to base alloys of thorium containing 5 and 10 weight percent uranium (Th-5 and 10 w/o U) was investigated with regard to alloy structures and elevated-temperature mechanical properties. The alloys developed possess elevated-temperature tensile and stress-rupture strengths of essentially twice those associated with binary Th-5 w/o and 10 w/o U alloys at 600 to 800℃. The greater strength of these alloys should result in improved resistance to radiation-induced swelling at high tempera¬tures .nNoticeable improvement in elevated-temperature mechanical properties resulted from the addition of 2 w/o and 5 w/o zirconium to the Th-5 w/o U and Th-10 w/o U base alloys. Zirconium was found to be the most effective additive in improving elevated-temperature mechanical properties, although significant improvement was noted with additions of columbium, molybdenum, carbon, aluminum,and beryllium. Both solid-solution strengthening and dispersion strengthening of the Th-U base alloys were encountered.
展开▼
