Microstructure and mechanical properties of fine grained uranium prepared by ECAP and subsequent intermediate heat treatment

Abstract The microstructure and mechanical properties of fine grained uranium prepared by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent intermediate heat treatment were investigated systematically by the confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The results show that the initial coarse grained uranium was refined from about 1000 to 6.5 μm prepared by ECAP at 3 passes and subsequent heat treatment, and the corresponding dynamic yield strength increased from 135 to 390 MPa. For the ECAPed uranium samples, the relationship between grain size and yield strength could be described by classical Hall–Petch relationship, and the fitting Hall–Petch relationship for the fine grained uranium samples prepared by ECAP was drawn.