Screening studies were performed on test specimens fabricated out of the niobium/hafnium alloy C-103 that were used in the determination of some of its mechanical and physical properties as they relate to the fabrication/utilization in an AMTEC (Alkali Metal Thermal to Electrical Conversion) cell wall. The investigations were centered in three areas: 1) machinability, 2) weldability, and 3) "inert" atmosphere compatibility. The results show that C- 103 can be machined as prototype in-Situ ribbed AMTEC cell walls were fabricated out of thin sheet material. Welding studies demonstrated that thin sheet C-103 can be electron beam welded. However, it was determined that the heat treatment of C-103 specimens under an argon atmosphere containing 89L?ppm of oxygen did significantly degrade the desired mechanical properties of the alloy.
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