Zirconium as a Structural Material for Naval Systems

The important basic physical properties and steps in the manufacture of elemental zirconium and several of its important alloys are discussed. Once considered prohibitively expensive for structural uses, its current cost is becoming competitive with other special alloys for various industrial applic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ferrando, W A
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
CERAMIC MATERIALS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
CORROSION RESISTANCE
FABRICATION
FATIGUE(MECHANICS)
FIBER REINFORCEMENT
HIGH DENSITY
HIGH STRENGTH
INDUSTRIES
Marine Engineering
METHODOLOGY
MILITARY REQUIREMENTS
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE
PE62761N
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Properties of Metals and Alloys
RESISTANCE
STRUCTURES
TOUGHNESS
WU4R32BH
ZIRCONIUM
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES
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Summary:The important basic physical properties and steps in the manufacture of elemental zirconium and several of its important alloys are discussed. Once considered prohibitively expensive for structural uses, its current cost is becoming competitive with other special alloys for various industrial applications. Its actual life cycle cost in many cases has been considerably lower than that experienced with alternative materials. Some of the physical properties of zirconium which make it particularly attractive for naval use include: high strength (particularly when alloyed), outstanding resistance to all forms of corrosion in seawater (and most other) environments, superior fatigue resistance, and good metallurgical workability. Its oxide compound zirconia has recently become a base material for a new generation of tough ceramics of potential structural use. These ceramics are also candidates for fiber reinforcement. Several modern ceramic fabrication techniques are discussed. Although its moderately high density probably will preclude widespread aerospace usage, zirconium and zirconium-based materials could find extensive application in naval surface systems. Finally, there is a ready availability of the raw ore from friendly nations and a very abundant domestic supply, should other sources fail. This assurance certainly increases the attractiveness of these materials for future Navy needs.