The Effect of Tungsten on the Mechanical Properties of Tantalum

This paper reports a study of the mechanical behavior of Ta-W alloys. The results show that tungsten additions increase the yield strength and the rate of work hardening of tantalum. These additions also cause a change in the deformed microstructure from one that is primarily cellular to one that consists mostly of dislocation tangles. It is proposed that the increase in yield strength arises from solid solution hardening and that the increase in the work hardening can be correlated with an increase in the density and arrangement of dislocations present in the material.