Mechanical properties of delta-stabilized Pu–1.0 wt% Ga alloys

Abstract This overview paper summarizes how temperature, strain rate, purity, prior fabrication history and prior thermal history affect mechanical properties of delta-stabilized Pu–1.0 wt% Ga alloys (hereafter referred to as delta). The efficacy of comparing torsion and tensile data using the Von Mises criteria (distortion energy theory of yielding) is clearly shown by numerous examples. Delta also follows the Hall–Petch relationship. A reasonably self-consistent set of mechanical properties, i.e., hardness, strength, ductility, creep, and fatigue, are presented; these data (and other information) were used by Los Alamos to benchmark a new constitutive model for delta. The agreement with mechanical property data of other FCC metals is extremely good. Further work in the area of dynamic restoration processes at elevated temperature is suggested. The fairly new high-quality TEM work on delta continues to be another rich area for further research, especially as related to looking at aging effects in delta.