TUNGSTEN FORGING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

A forging process has been developed whereby arc melted and extruded W-15Mo bar stock can be forged to complex structural shapes. Successful application of the process has been demonstrated through forging of a universal configuration containing varying thickness, varying draft angle, and thin web and rib sections. The process is particularly significant because it utilizes commercial die steels and conventional heating and forging equipment, thus establishing a baseline for industry capability in forging tungsten alloys to structural shapes. Tensile properties for the W-15Mo forgings at 3000 F and 3500 F are reported for areas of both high and low forging reduction. Tensile and stress rupture tests conducted between 3000 F and 4000 F indicate that W-15Mo and W-0.52Cb have approximately equal strengths within this temperature range, and that W-15Mo is slightly weaker in the same temperature range. Author