A TEM study of the influence of microstructure on the superplastic behavior of a U-5.8 wt.% Nb alloy

Abstract

Historically, metals exhibit superplasticity only while forming in a two-phase field because a two-phase microstructure helps ensure a fine, stable grain size. In the U-5.8 Nb alloy, superplastici ty exists for up to 2 h in the single phase field (γ1) at 670°C. This is above the equilibrium monotectoid temperature of 647°C. Utilizing dilatometry, the superplastic (SP) U-5.8 Nb alloy requires superheating to 658°C to initiate the α+γ2 → γ1 transformation at a heating rate of 1.5°C/s. Hence, the U-5.8 Nb alloy exhibits an anomolous superplastic behavior.