An evaluation of the properties of As-cast U-rich U-Zr alloys

The present study involves evaluation of some basic properties of as-cast uranium rich U-Zr alloys, i.e. uranium alloys containing 2 wt%, 5 wt%, 7 wt% and 10 wt% zirconium. Microstructural evaluation, both optical and SEM, with hardness values are reported. Lattice parameter and densities are determined with XRD analysis. Thermal expansions are measured by dilatometry: also the phase transformation mechanism is proposed based on the microstructures, XRD analysis and dilatometric results. Quantification of the variation of different physical properties as a function of the Zr content is also presented here. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.