The physical, mechanical and irradiation behavior of niobium and niobium-base alloys

The physical, mechanical and irradiation behavior of niobium and niobium base alloys have been widely studied over the last twenty-five years. Much of this interest stemmed from its favorable high-temperature strength and good low temperature ductility which prompted increasing emphasis on its use as a structural material in the aerospace industries in the 1960's. Its strength characteristics combined with a low neutron absorption cross-section, also prompted its use in the nuclear industries...(AU)