ISSN: 1546-962X
Page Count: 10

Investigation of Structural and Chemical Uniformity of Zr2.5% Nb and E635 Alloy by Radioactive Indicators
Arzhakova, Valentine
All-Russia Scientific Research Institute of Inorganic Materials,

Shikov, Alexander
Technology Division, Chepetskiy Mechanical Plant, Udmurtiya

Kabanov, Alexander
“Titan-Isotope” Company,

Belov, Vladimir

Shtutsa, Mikhail

Ziganshin, Alexander

Kurapov, Valeriy

Kurapova, Liya

Abstract

The performance and structure of final nuclear zirconium alloy components is formed at all processing steps, from ingot melting and subsequent forging, quenching, pilgering, and heat treatment. The subject of this investigation was the structure of zirconium alloy ingots made by double melting in a vacuum arc furnace, and investigated by the use of radioactive indicators (RAIs). The isotopes that were used were W¹⁸⁵ and C¹⁴, which were added in very small quantities to the charge before melting the ingot. The RAI isotopes decorate the ingot structure, and provide an opportunity to investigate the behavior of impurity levels during solidification of the molten pool, and the structure in the various types of solidification zones within the ingot. The forged material and other products were investigated using the C¹⁴ isotope. Carbon distribution data were obtained for both Zr2.5Nb and for E635 structures on both macroscopic and microscopic levels. The structures and phases in which the carbon isotope was concentrated were discovered.

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Paper ID: JAI101134
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101134
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