Use of Physical Methods for Revealing Inhomogeneities in the Composition and Structure of Zr—Nb Alloys

The nonuniformity in the distribution of Zr and Nb at various points of an Nb—Zr ingot and forged alloy bars is determined to an accuracy of 0.35% by an x-ray method. A camera attachment is devised for continuously monitoring the homogeneity of the structure of a fine wire without damaging the latter. The methods of measuring the thermo-emf and electrical resistance at liquid-nitrogen temperature are extremely suitable for revealing inhomogeneities of the structure in wires subjected to heat treatment. These are very sensitive and well-adapted to the continuous monitoring of long pieces of wire. The results of wire-homogeneity measurements carried out in this way are compared with the degradation of the critical current in solenoids and with critical-current measurements made along the whole length of the wire.