In a dilute uranium alloy, changes of properties, mechanical and microstructures, were studied in connection with the colling rate from -phase after the solution heat-treatment. The results were related with the observation of age hardening characteristics.
As the quenching rate increased, yield strength, hardness and ductilities are increased. However, it was observed that yield strength and hardness are decreased in a small amount after the formation of α a'-Martensite.
UTS and yield strength were maximum at near 450℃ and show over-aging effect near 500℃.
It was found that : slower the quenching rate, less in aging effect, abrupt decrease in ductility is turned up when a quenched alloy is aged : fracture mode is shifted from ductility fracture to quasi-cleavage fracture when the alloy is aged.
