Evaluations of Al-5052 pipe received from KCP-II

The irradiated Al-5052 pipe material provided by KCP-II was evaluated for: yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and % elongation with the help of chemical analysis, metallographic study, micro-hardness and tensile testing. The results of all the above mentioned tests on the provided samples were compared with the results of fresh pipe material (un-irradiated). The chemical compositions of irradiated and un-irradiated pipes are very close to standard composition of 5052 alloy. Metallographic observations of irradiated and un-irradiated pipe specimens in the longitudinal, cross sectional and outer surface sides showed clear difference in the grain morphologies. The microstructure of both pipes in the cross sectional sides is shown. Te microstructural changes due to irradiation of the specimen are not visible except some grain coarsening in the cross sectional side. There is a little difference in the micro-hardness values of irradiated and un-irradiated samples, both in the cross sectional and plane surfaces of measurements. This indicates the minimal effect of irradiation in raising the hardness. An increase in embrittlement effect in the irradiated samples was observed due to some loss in ductility and increase in UTS. The tensile properties of the un-irradiated pipe were close the Alloy 5052-H32. The 'H32' designates the most common work hardening (by rolling) and temper treatment given to this alloy. (Orig./A.B.)