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'''AlBeMet''' is the [[trade name]] of the Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites (formerly known as Brush Wellman) company for a [[beryllium]] and [[aluminium]] [[composite material]] derived by a [[powder metallurgy]] process. AlBeMet is formed by hot consolidating gas atomized prealloyed powder. Each powder particle contains aluminium between beryllium dendrites producing a uniform microstructure. Since beryllium is the second least [[Density|dense]] [[Chemical element|elemental]] [[metal]], these alloys are significantly less dense than aluminium.
{{Technical|date=January 2022}}
{{Single source|date=March 2022}}}}


'''Beryllium-aluminum alloy''' an [[alloy]] that consists of 62% [[beryllium]] and 38% [[aluminum]], by weight, corresponding approximately to an [[empirical formula]] of Be<sub>2</sub>Al. It was first developed in the 1960s by the [[Lockheed Missiles and Space Company]], who called it '''Lockalloy''',<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/08/05/when-is-the-future-coming-for-parts-made-of-exotic-materials|title=ESSAY: When is the Future Coming?|last=Cameron|first=Kevin|date=August 5, 2015|work=Cycle World|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref><ref>[[iarchive:DTIC ADA041284|DTIC ADA041284]]: Lockalloy Be-38Al Material Characterization, 1976 Year-End Report, by Defense Technical Information Center</ref> and used as a structural metal in the aerospace industry because of its high specific strength<ref>McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.</ref> and stiffness.<ref name="Parsonage 2018">{{Cite web|url=https://materion.com/-/media/files/beryllium/albemet-materials/maab-006developmentofaluminumberylliumforstructuralapplications.pdf|title=Development of Aluminum Beryllium for Structural Applications|last=Parsonage|first=Tom|website=Materion|access-date=May 9, 2018}}</ref> The material was used in the [[Lockheed YF-12|Lockheed YF12]] aircraft and [[LGM-30 Minuteman]] missile systems. In the 1970s production difficulties limited the material to a few specialized uses and by the mid 1970s Lockalloy was no longer commercially available.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FCnUN45cL1cC&q=lockalloy+lockheed&pg=PA189|title=Beryllium its Metallurgy and Properties|last=Hausner|first=Henry Herman|publisher=University of California Press|year=1965|isbn=978-0520005419|location=|pages=189}}</ref><ref name="Parsonage 2018" />
Be-Al alloys are primarily of interest to the [[aerospace]] industry, due to the weight advantage they provide. They are currently used in [[satellite]]s.


In 1990, [[Materion|Materion Beryllium & Composites]] re-introduced the material into the commercial marketplace as a powder-sintered composite under the trade name of '''AlBeMet'''.<ref name="Parsonage 2018" /> AlBeMet is the [[trade name]] for a [[beryllium]] and [[aluminium]] metal matrix [[composite material]] derived by a [[powder metallurgy]] process. AlBeMet AM162 is manufactured by Materion Corporation Brush Beryllium and Composites (formerly known as Brush Wellman).
Due to the high toxicity of beryllium the machining has to be conducted with caution to prevent exposure of the workers.


AlBeMet is formed by hot consolidating gas atomized prealloyed powder. Each powder particle contains aluminium between beryllium dendrites producing a uniform microstructure. Aluminium-beryllium metal matrix composite combines the high modulus and low density characteristics of beryllium with the fabrication and mechanical property behaviors of aluminium.
==Basic properties==


Due to weight advantage, Be-Al alloys are used in aerospace and satellite applications.
AlBeMet® has a [[density]] of 2.071 g/cm³ (0.07482&nbsp;lb/in³).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://materion.com/~/media/Files/PDFs/Beryllium/AlBeMet%20Materials%20-%20MAAB/MAAB-032%20AlBeMet%20Technical%20Data%20Sheet.pdf | title = AlBeMet® Technical Data Sheets | publisher = Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites | accessdate = 2011-09-07}}</ref>

==Basic properties==
The composition of AlBeMet AM162 by relative weight is 38% Al, 62% Be. AlBeMet has a [[density]] of 2.071&nbsp;g/cm<sup>3</sup> (0.07482&nbsp;lb/in<sup>3</sup>).<ref>{{cite web|url= https://materion.com/~/media/Files/PDFs/Beryllium/AlBeMet%20Materials/MAAB-032AlBeMetTechnicalDataSheet.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171024043552/https://materion.com/~/media/Files/PDFs/Beryllium/AlBeMet%20Materials/MAAB-032AlBeMetTechnicalDataSheet.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2017-10-24|title=AlBeMet Technical Data Sheets |publisher=Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites |access-date=2017-10-24 }}</ref>


===Mechanical properties===
===Mechanical properties===
The mechanical properties of AM162 have been extensively characterized in all three-product forms. But a significant design database has been developed for the extruded product form. The extruded bar is fabricated by Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIPing) the isotropic spherical aluminum-beryllium powder into semi-dense billets and then canning the billet for subsequent extrusion with a minimum of a 4:1 reduction ratio. Mechanical properties are minimum values at room temperature. Wrought mechanical properties for extrusions are in the longitudinal direction. Transverse properties are generally lower. A number of standard extrusion dies are available. Rolled product is available in a thickness range of 0.063” to 0.313” x 25” (0.16 to 0.795&nbsp;cm x 63.5&nbsp;cm) length time’s width dependent on gauge. Mechanical properties for HIP’d, extruded, and/or rolled AlBe metal matrix composites are in the annealed condition.
The mechanical properties of AM162 have been characterized in all three-product forms with the extruded product form of AlBeMet having a significant design database. The extruded bar is fabricated by cold isostatic pressing (CIPing) the isotropic spherical aluminium-beryllium powder into semi-dense billets and then canning the billet for subsequent extrusion with a minimum of a 4:1 reduction ratio.
Mechanical properties are minimum values at room temperature{{Clarify|date=January 2022}}. Wrought mechanical properties for extrusions are in the longitudinal direction. Transverse properties are generally lower.
A number of standard extrusion dies are available. Rolled product is available in a thickness range of 0.063” to 0.313” × 25” (0.16 to 0.795&nbsp;cm × 63.5&nbsp;cm) length times width dependent on gauge. Mechanical properties for HIP’d, extruded, and/or rolled AlBe metal matrix composites are in the annealed condition.


===Physical properties===
===Physical properties===
*High modulus-to-density ratio, 3.8 times that of aluminum or steel, minimizes flexure and reduces the chance of mechanically induced failure.
*High [[specific modulus|modulus-to-density ratio]], 3.8 times that of aluminium or steel, minimizes flexure and reduces the chance of mechanically induced failure.
*Thermal conductivity of approximately 210 W/m•K exceeds by about 25% that of common aluminum metal matrix composites such as Al 6061.
*[[Thermal conductivity]] of approximately 210&nbsp;W/m⋅K exceeds by about 25% that of common aluminium matrix composites such as Al&nbsp;6061.
*Polished AlBeMet exhibits significant surface scatter inherent in the composite structure and cannot be eliminated by optical polishing. (Typical surface roughness from an AlBeMet polished surface is in the 200–250&nbsp;[[Angstrom|Å]] finish.) An amorphous coating such as [[electroless nickel plating]] is required. Surfaces in the 15 to 20&nbsp;Å level are achievable. Depending on the [[coefficient of thermal expansion]] of the substrate material, a potential penalty of [[bi-metallic effect]] (bending forces?) between substrate and nickel surface finish is possible. With the tailoring of electroless nickel, this material dictates that the phosphorus content in the plating bath be approximately 11% to insure a CTE match close to that of the AlBeMet thereby eliminating any bi-metallic effect.{{clarify|date=December 2020}}{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
*The CTE of 13.9 ppm/K matches that of the ceramic chip carriers (alumina has CTE of ~8ppm/K) more closely than does aluminum, which has a CTE of 24ppm/K.
*The stiffness and low density of AlBeMet® are beneficial in aircraft, where high loads generated during tight maneuvering can cause flexure of circuit boards, and subsequent mechanical failure.


===Fatigue properties===
===Fatigue properties===
Is Cyclic fatigue critical to the life cycle of your component? The fatigue properties of AlBeMet® extruded material have been tested using the Krause rotating beam fatigue test utilizing fully reversed cycles with a R= +0.1. The fatigue limit, 1 x 10-7 cycles was about 207 MPa (30Ksi) in the longitudinal direction and 165 MPa (25 Ksi) in the transverse direction. This property is approximately 75% of the minimum RT yield strength, which is two times that of typical fatigue properties of 6061T6 aluminum.
The fatigue properties of AlBeMet extruded material have been tested using the Krause rotating beam [[fatigue test]] utilizing fully reversed cycles with a R&nbsp;=&nbsp;+0.1. The [[fatigue limit]], 1&nbsp;×&nbsp;10<sup>7</sup> cycles was about 207&nbsp;MPa (30&nbsp;ksi) in the longitudinal direction and 165&nbsp;MPa (25&nbsp;ksi) in the transverse direction. This property is approximately 75% of the minimum [[yield strength]] at room temperature, which is two times that of typical fatigue properties of [[6061 aluminium alloy|6061-T6 aluminium]].{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

===Thermal Properties===
Most important fact in Surface Mount Technology (SMT) circuit board cores is coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).The better the CTE match, the less strain imposed on solder joints. Less strain translates into better fatigue life for solder joints and longer life for the board. Thermal management capabilities, characterized by the thermal conductivity and heat capacity, have also been found to be important factors.


===Manufacture of AlBeMet components===
===Manufacture of AlBeMet components===
AlBeMet parts can be manufactured with the same techniques normally used for aluminium, meaning that special tools do not need to be developed<ref>http://materion.com/Products/Beryllium/MetalMatrixComposites-Beryllium/Aluminum-BerylliumAlBeMet.aspx</ref>. However, it's highly carcinogenic properties mean that special precautions must be taken to avoid exposure, although the material is safe to handle when not being worked on<ref>http://materion.com/~/media/Files/PDFs/Corporate/MSDS/M13AlBeMet.pdf</ref>.
AlBeMet parts can be manufactured with the same techniques normally used for aluminium, meaning that special tools do not need to be developed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://materion.com/~/media/Files/PDFs/Beryllium/AlBeMet%20Materials/MAAB-032AlBeMetTechnicalDataSheet|format=PDF|title=AlBeMet Technical Fact Sheet|website=Materion.com|access-date=2022-03-10}}</ref> Although the material is safe to handle when not being worked on,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://materion.com/-/media/files/beryllium/albemet-materials/maab-032albemettechnicaldatasheet.pdf|format=PDF|title=AlBeMet Technical Fact Sheet|website=Materion.com|access-date=2022-03-10}}</ref> the [[Beryllium#Inhalation|toxicity]] of berryllium dust mean that special precautions must be taken to avoid exposure during machining with respiratory protection needed where dust could be formed.


== See also ==
==See also==
* [[Aluminium alloy]]
* [[Aluminium alloy]]


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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== External links ==
== External links ==


Creep and stress rupture behaviour of Be/Al composite material AlBeMet® AM162
Creep and stress rupture behaviour of Be/Al composite material AlBeMet AM162


Song S.G.; Beals J.T.; Nardone V.C. Materials Science and Technology, Volume 16, Number 5, May 2000 , pp. 551–555(5)
Song S.G.; Beals J.T.; Nardone V.C. Materials Science and Technology, Volume 16, Number 5, May 2000, pp. 551–555(5)
Beryllium metal matrix composites for aerospace and commercial applications Parsonage T. Materials Science and Technology, Volume 16, Numbers 7-8, July 2000 , pp. 732–738(7)
Beryllium metal matrix composites for aerospace and commercial applications Parsonage T. Materials Science and Technology, Volume 16, Numbers 7-8, July 2000, pp. 732–738(7).


Characterization of AlBeMet® AM-162 as an optical substrate material
Characterization of AlBeMet AM-162 as an optical substrate material


Heber, James E.; Parsonage, Thomas B.
Heber, James E.; Parsonage, Thomas B.


Optical Materials and Structures Technologies. Edited by Goodman, William A. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 5179, pp. 56–62 (2003).-->
Optical Materials and Structures Technologies. Edited by Goodman, William A. Proceedings of the SPIE, Volume 5179, pp. 56–62 (2003).-->

{{aluminium alloys}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:AlBeMet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:AlBeMet}}
[[Category:Beryllium alloys]]
[[Category:Beryllium alloys]]
[[Category:Aluminium alloys]]
[[Category:Aluminium alloys]]
[[Category:Metal matrix composites]]

Latest revision as of 20:40, 5 December 2024

Beryllium-aluminum alloy an alloy that consists of 62% beryllium and 38% aluminum, by weight, corresponding approximately to an empirical formula of Be2Al. It was first developed in the 1960s by the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, who called it Lockalloy,[1][2] and used as a structural metal in the aerospace industry because of its high specific strength[3] and stiffness.[4] The material was used in the Lockheed YF12 aircraft and LGM-30 Minuteman missile systems. In the 1970s production difficulties limited the material to a few specialized uses and by the mid 1970s Lockalloy was no longer commercially available.[5][4]

In 1990, Materion Beryllium & Composites re-introduced the material into the commercial marketplace as a powder-sintered composite under the trade name of AlBeMet.[4] AlBeMet is the trade name for a beryllium and aluminium metal matrix composite material derived by a powder metallurgy process. AlBeMet AM162 is manufactured by Materion Corporation Brush Beryllium and Composites (formerly known as Brush Wellman).

AlBeMet is formed by hot consolidating gas atomized prealloyed powder. Each powder particle contains aluminium between beryllium dendrites producing a uniform microstructure. Aluminium-beryllium metal matrix composite combines the high modulus and low density characteristics of beryllium with the fabrication and mechanical property behaviors of aluminium.

Due to weight advantage, Be-Al alloys are used in aerospace and satellite applications.

Basic properties

[edit]

The composition of AlBeMet AM162 by relative weight is 38% Al, 62% Be. AlBeMet has a density of 2.071 g/cm3 (0.07482 lb/in3).[6]

Mechanical properties

[edit]

The mechanical properties of AM162 have been characterized in all three-product forms with the extruded product form of AlBeMet having a significant design database. The extruded bar is fabricated by cold isostatic pressing (CIPing) the isotropic spherical aluminium-beryllium powder into semi-dense billets and then canning the billet for subsequent extrusion with a minimum of a 4:1 reduction ratio.

Mechanical properties are minimum values at room temperature[clarification needed]. Wrought mechanical properties for extrusions are in the longitudinal direction. Transverse properties are generally lower.

A number of standard extrusion dies are available. Rolled product is available in a thickness range of 0.063” to 0.313” × 25” (0.16 to 0.795 cm × 63.5 cm) length times width dependent on gauge. Mechanical properties for HIP’d, extruded, and/or rolled AlBe metal matrix composites are in the annealed condition.

Physical properties

[edit]
  • High modulus-to-density ratio, 3.8 times that of aluminium or steel, minimizes flexure and reduces the chance of mechanically induced failure.
  • Thermal conductivity of approximately 210 W/m⋅K exceeds by about 25% that of common aluminium matrix composites such as Al 6061.
  • Polished AlBeMet exhibits significant surface scatter inherent in the composite structure and cannot be eliminated by optical polishing. (Typical surface roughness from an AlBeMet polished surface is in the 200–250 Å finish.) An amorphous coating such as electroless nickel plating is required. Surfaces in the 15 to 20 Å level are achievable. Depending on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate material, a potential penalty of bi-metallic effect (bending forces?) between substrate and nickel surface finish is possible. With the tailoring of electroless nickel, this material dictates that the phosphorus content in the plating bath be approximately 11% to insure a CTE match close to that of the AlBeMet thereby eliminating any bi-metallic effect.[clarification needed][citation needed]

Fatigue properties

[edit]

The fatigue properties of AlBeMet extruded material have been tested using the Krause rotating beam fatigue test utilizing fully reversed cycles with a R = +0.1. The fatigue limit, 1 × 107 cycles was about 207 MPa (30 ksi) in the longitudinal direction and 165 MPa (25 ksi) in the transverse direction. This property is approximately 75% of the minimum yield strength at room temperature, which is two times that of typical fatigue properties of 6061-T6 aluminium.[citation needed]

Manufacture of AlBeMet components

[edit]

AlBeMet parts can be manufactured with the same techniques normally used for aluminium, meaning that special tools do not need to be developed.[7] Although the material is safe to handle when not being worked on,[8] the toxicity of berryllium dust mean that special precautions must be taken to avoid exposure during machining with respiratory protection needed where dust could be formed.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Cameron, Kevin (August 5, 2015). "ESSAY: When is the Future Coming?". Cycle World. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  2. ^ DTIC ADA041284: Lockalloy Be-38Al Material Characterization, 1976 Year-End Report, by Defense Technical Information Center
  3. ^ McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
  4. ^ a b c Parsonage, Tom. "Development of Aluminum Beryllium for Structural Applications" (PDF). Materion. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  5. ^ Hausner, Henry Herman (1965). Beryllium its Metallurgy and Properties. University of California Press. p. 189. ISBN 978-0520005419.
  6. ^ "AlBeMet Technical Data Sheets" (PDF). Materion Brush Beryllium & Composites. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-24. Retrieved 2017-10-24.
  7. ^ "AlBeMet Technical Fact Sheet" (PDF). Materion.com. Retrieved 2022-03-10.
  8. ^ "AlBeMet Technical Fact Sheet" (PDF). Materion.com. Retrieved 2022-03-10.