GOALI: Optimization of Zircaloy Intermetallics through Chemistry and Processing Controls

小行星9632043 该GOALI补助金支持工程专业学生在工业中工作一年，以研究合金化学和工艺因素对影响锆合金（锆合金）性能和性能的特定金属间相的影响。 金属间化合物的结构发生变化，影响机械性能和耐腐蚀性。 材料在加工过程中的组织变化包括形核、长大和重组，这些变化受合金元素浓度的强烈影响。 变量包括β-淬火温度和淬火速率、β-淬火后的冷加工和退火以及随后的冷加工/退火循环以控制最终的沉淀物形态。 该研究检查腐蚀（结节和均匀），微观结构（特别注意金属间化合物），机械性能和可制造性，使用自动球压痕进行评估。 锆合金板材用于模拟管路，以便于制造和测试。 该研究是与通用电气公司位于北卡罗来纳州威尔明顿的锆合金制造中心和位于加州的瓦勒西托斯核中心合作进行的。 %锆合金广泛用于裂变反应堆中，用作包壳核燃料的薄壁管、中间栅格、通道（BWR）和排管（PHWR）。 该研究计划允许学生现场学习与该合金应用相关的冶金因素。 ***

9632043 Murty This GOALI grant supports an engineering student for a one year period in industry to investigate the effects of alloy chemistry and process factors on specific intermetallic phases which influence zirconium alloy (Zircaloy) properties and performance. Intermetallics undergo changes in structure that affect mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The structural include phase nucleation, growth and restructuring during material processing, and these changes are strongly influenced by the concentrations of the alloying elements. Variables include beta-quench temperature and quench rate, post-beta-quench cold-work and annealing, and subsequent cold-work/anneal cycles to control final precipitate morphology. The research examines corrosion (nodular and uniform), microstructure (with particular attention to intermetallics), mechanical properties, and manufacturability, evaluated using automated ball indentation. Zirconium alloy sheet material is used to simulate tubing for ease of fabrication and testing. The study is performed in collaboration with the General Electric Company's Zircaloy manufacturing center in Wilmington, NC, and Vallecitos nuclear center in California. %%% Zircaloys are widely used in fission reactors as thin-walled tubing for cladding nuclear fuel, intermediate grids, channels (BWRs), and calandria tubing (PHWRs). The research program allows a student to learn on-site the metallurgical factors associated with the application of this alloy. ***