URANIUM ALLOY NEWSLETTER NO. 13

Abstract

Argonne National Lab. Results are summarized from irradiation and corrosion tests on alloys of U--Pu, U--Nb-Sn, and U- Zr-Nb, and U-- Si systems. Armour Research Foundation. Studies of the transformation kinetics of Ubase alloys have been completed, and results are summarized. TTT diagrams are presented for 2 Nb--U alloys. Battelle Memorial Inst. Phase studies, heat treatment studies, and preparation of U-- Zr alloys are described. The study of the properties and preparation of various U alloys for use as fuel elements are continuing. Techniques for melting and casting Al--U alloys and for melting U-- Zr alloys are being developed. Hanford Atomic Products Operation. Results of metallographic and phase studies on U-- Th alloys are reported. The corrosion resistance of several Th--U-- Zr alloys has been studied. National Bureau of Standards. The preparation and phase relations of alloys of U with the platinum metals are being studied. North American Aviation, Inc. The feasibility of fabricating specific U alloys for fuel elements on a semi-production scale is being investigated. Nuclear Metals, Inc. Studies of the thermal properties of U- -Nb--Zr alloys and of the corrosion of U-- Si systems are reported. Fabrication behavior and microstructures in cast, extruded, and heat treated U alloys are being examined. Sylvania Electric Products, Inc. Data are presented on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability under thermal cycling of various powder metallurgy binary U alloys. Corrosion rates in water and densities are reported of some powder metallurgy Si-- U systems. Westinghouse Atomic Power Div. The changes in dimensions, density, electrical resistivity, and hardness of irradiated U--Mo and U--Nb alloys are tabulated. The effects of irradiating prototype fuel rods of U and U--Zr alloy are reported. (W.L.H.)