Papers by Author: Andreas Hoffmann

Abstract: Refractory materials, in particular tungsten base materials are considered as primary candidates for structural high heat load applications in future nuclear fusion power plants. Promising helium-cooled divertor design outlines make use of their high heat conductivity and strength. The upper operating temperature limit is mainly defined by the onset of recrystallization but also by loss of creep strength. The lower operating temperature range is restricted by the use of steel parts for the in- and outlets as well as for the back-bone. Therefore, the most critical issue of tungsten materials in connection with structural divertor applications is the ductile-to-brittle transition. Another problem consists in the fact that especially refractory alloys show a strong correlation between microstructure and their manufacturing history. Since physical and mechanical properties are influenced by the underlying microstructure, refractory alloys can behave quite different, even if their chemical composition is the same. Therefore, creep and thermal conductivity have been investigated using typical commercial tungsten materials. Moreover, the fracture behavior of different tungsten based semi-finished products was characterized by standard Charpy tests which have been performed up to 1100 °C in vacuum. Due to their fabrication history (powder mixing, pressing, sintering, rolling, forging, or swaging) these materials have specific microstructures which lead different fracture modes. The influence of the microstructure characteristics like grain size, anisotropy, texture, or chemical composition has been studied.

Abstract: The possible use of tungsten alloys as structural materials in future fusion reactor divertors strongly depend on their ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT). The present paper gives an overview on different rod and plate materials fabricated by PLANSEE. It is demonstrated that DBTT is clearly improved compared to commercially available standard materials. Moreover, the significant impact of the microstructure on fracture mode and on toughness is discussed in detail.

Abstract: The molybdenum alloy TZM (Mo-0.5wt%Ti-0.08wt%Zr) is a commonly used structural material for high temperature applications. For these purposes a high strength at elevated temperatures and also a sufficient ductility at room temperature are being aimed. Preceding investigations revealed the existence of subgrains in hot deformed TZM. It was observed that with proceeding primary recrystallization and therefore with disappearance of subgrains the yield strength drops almost to a level of pure molybdenum. It is being assumed that the existence of a dislocation substructure has a pronounced effect on the yield strength of TZM. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the subgrain and texture formation and also to estimate the dislocation arrangement within subgrains during hot deformation. Hence, TZM rods were rolled to different degrees of deformation at a temperature above 0.5 Tm. The microstructure of the initial material was fully recrystallized. Texture formation, misorientation distributions and subgrain sizes were analyzed by electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD). Mechanical properties were characterized by tensile tests at room temperature and up to 1200°C. It was revealed, that with increasing degree of deformation a distinct substructure forms and therefore yield strength rises. Consequently, the misorientation between adjacent subgrains increases, their size decreases and a <110> fibre texture develops. To estimate the influence of texture on strength of TZM the Taylor factors are calculated from EBSD data.

Abstract: Driven by the unavailibility of commercial test equipment for tensile and creep testing at temperatures up to 3000°C a measuring system has been developed and constructed at the University of Applied Sciences, Jena. These temperatures are reached with precision by heating samples directly by electric current. Contact-less strain measurements are carried out with image processing software utilizing a CCD camera system. This paper covers results of creep tests which have been conducted on TZM sheet material (thickness 2 mm) in the temperature range between 1200°C and 1600°C. It is the aim of this work to show the influence of heat-treatment conditions on creep performance in the investigated temperature range.