Relation between Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity in Aluminum-Uranium Alloys

AbstractTherrpal conductivity measurements at 650°C have been made on aluminum alloys containing up to 58 wt% uranium in the as-cast and heat-treated conditions. The measured conductivity varied from 0.541 cal sec−1cm−2 °C−1cm for pure aluminum extruded rod, to 0.081 cal sec−1cm−2 °C−2cm for a heattreated alloy containing 58 wt% uranium. Changes in conductivities, produced by heat treatments, have been related to corresponding changes in the microstructures of the alloys. The thermal conductivities of UAl3 and UAl4 were found to be 0.02 cal sec−1 cm−2°C−1cm by extrapolation.