SYMPOSIA PAPER
Published:
01 January 1969
STP43827S
Oxygen Embrittlement of Zirconium-Copper Alloys at High Temperatures
SourceZirconium alloys exposed to temperatures above 450 C in oxygen-containing atmospheres, will be subject to oxygen diffusion from the oxide layer into the metal. An oxygen-enriched zone is formed having a lower ductility than the metal in the initial stage and therefore is suscepticle to cracks. The uptake of oxygen by the metal and the thickness of the oxygen-enriched zone were measured as a function of oxidation time and temperature. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the metal as a function of temperature and oxygen content agreed well with the observation that the formation of cracks stops when the crack end has reached a layer of reduced oxygen concentration and consequently increased ductility.
Author Information
Kaden, W.
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Nuclear Laboratories/Materials Development, Erlangen, Germany
Debray, W.
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Nuclear Laboratories/Materials Development, Erlangen, Germany
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Details
Developed by Committee: B10
Pages: 179–183
DOI: 10.1520/STP43827S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6037-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-6191-7