THERMAL-EXPANSION AND ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF NB-MO ALLOYS

The linear thermal expansion coefficients alpha (T) of Nb and Nb-Mo alloys have been measured between 80 and 300 K. The results are shown graphically and polynomial expressions for alpha (T) are tabulated. A minimum of alpha (T) occurs near the critical composition of 40% Mo in Nb. Features of the temperature and composition of alpha (T) are analyzed in terms of the known elastic properties of the alloys. It is shown that the temperature dependence of the shear elastic constant C//4//4 consists of an intrinsic component and a volume-dependent extrinsic component. An estimate is made of the electronic contribution to C//4//4 in the alloys.