Abstract: A molybdenum-based alloy improved in mechanical strength and hot workability, which consists of 0.01 to 5.0% by weight of vanadium, 10 to 100 ppm of boron, 10 to 1,000 ppm of carbon, and the balance of molybdenum.

Abstract: A fine grained metal composition suitable for forming in a partially solid, partially liquid condition. The composition is prepared by producing a solid metal composition having an essentially directional grain structure and heating the directional grain composition to a temperature above the solidus and below the liquidus to produce a partially solid, partially liquid mixture containing at least 0.05 volume fraction liquid. The composition, prior to heating, has a strain level introduced such that upon heating, the mixture comprises uniform discrete spheroidal particles contained within a lower melting matrix. The heated alloy is then solidified while in a partially solid, partially liquid condition, the solidified composition having a uniform, fine grained microstructure.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an insulating box (32) is applied to the depending portion (28) of the center plate (24) of a railway freight car. This box is provided with external insulation (27) and a cooling medium such as air or water is passed through a conduit (56) into the box to maintain the temperature of the hardened portion of the bowl sufficiently low that no transformation or softening takes place during stress relief. After stress relieving the box is removed and the cooling medium turned off. The hardness and strength of the center plate has not decreased sufficiently to require rehardening, and it is not necessary to rotate the car into another position to attach the center plate, or to reharden the center plate.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment a surface layer of a thin-walled, hollow, cylindrical steel body is hardened while controlling thermal distortion by first heating with an inductor and quenching in one direction over the surface and then repeating the process in the reverse direction.