"High-temperature behaviors of unalloyed Nb and Nb-based alloy C103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti)"

This event is sponsored by FAMU-FSU Engineering Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Abstract: Niobium (Nb) and its alloys serve in technologically important applications at the extremes of low and high temperatures. High purity Nb provides superconductivity to the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities required for particle accelerators, where its service temperature is below 9 K. Nb alloy C103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti) is the most used Nb alloy, and it serves in rocket nozzles at temperature well in excess of 1000°C. Both these applications require processing of material at elevated temperatures. This presentation explores the plastic behaviors of unalloyed Nb and its alloy C103 at elevated temperatures. We first explore the important effects of interstitial impurity content on unalloyed Nb materials. We then explore the role of solutes on strengthening of Nb alloy C103 at temperatures in the range of 1550 to 1750°C. In both cases we will discuss the roles of microstructure and how it evolves during deformation. The effects of additive manufacturing C103 on microstructure and mechanical behavior at elevated temperatures will be briefly addressed. Strategies for improving the performance of Nb and its alloys in both low-temperature superconducting and high-temperature structural applications will be discussed.

Eric M. Taleff

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

University of Texas at Austin

Speaker Bio: Eric M. Taleff is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and holds the Temple Foundation Endowed Faculty Fellowship No. 6 at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a Fellow of ASM International and a Brimacombe Medalist of The Mineral, Metals & Materials Society. Prof. Taleff earned B.S. degrees in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering from Rice University in 1989, an M.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University in 1991, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1995. He has served on the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin since 1995. Prof. Taleff also served as a Program Officer in the Division of Materials Research at the National Science Foundation from 2012 until 2013. Prof. Taleff’s research and teaching interests are closely related to physical metallurgy with particular interest in the thermomechanical processing of metals and their alloys at elevated temperatures.