High-strength Copper Alloys Research Articles

Application of high strength copper alloys for a fusion reactor first wall

High strength copper alloys can be produced by advanced powder metallurgical processes. These materials are considered for application as primary structural alloys in fusion reactors. Comparisons are made, for relevant properties, with other candidate structural alloys such as austenitic stainless steel and refractory metal alloys. Advanced copper alloys are sufficiently attractive to warrant further consideration for the fusion reactor application.

Potential for using rapid solidification for improved irradiation performance in the fusion environment

Rapid solidification has a potential for improving performance in the fusion environment (first-wall materials, limiters, superconductors, 3.) through structural refinements of crystalline materials and the preparation of amorphous materials with selected compositions. Compaction techniques which are used for rapidly solidified particulates allow as well for preparation of graded or layered materials. The following topics are being studied by using rapid solidification under a current M.I.T. alloy development program: swelling resistance and high temperature strength of austenitic stainless steels; DBTT and high-temperature strength of ferritic steels; high strength copper alloys; simulation techniques (boron, lithium doping); irradiation damage in metallic glasses at high fluences.

Mechanical Properties in Bending at Elevated Temperature of High Strength Copper Alloy Flat Spring Materials

Abstract The yield strength and modulus of elasticity in bending for several high strength copper alloy flat spring materials were determined in the temperature range 23 to 232°C (73 to 450°F) by both static and dynamic measurements. Results obtained by both methods are compared with those obtained by using a simple, short-time stress-relaxation test, and their applicability to the design of flat springs or connectors is discussed. The short-time stress-relaxation test is proposed as a simple acceptance test for flat spring materials. The alloys studied include one copper-nickel-tin alloy strengthened by spinodal decomposition (92% copper-4% nickel-4% tin), copper beryllium alloy (CA 172), copper cadmium alloy (CA 162), and copperiron-phosphorus alloy (CA 196). Long-time stress-relaxation data (2000 h) for the temperature range 23 to 232°C (73 to 450°F) confirm the observations made during the short-time relaxation tests, which showed that for extended service life applications springs made from either precipitation heat-treated CA 172 or appropriately aged 9244 alloy would operate satisfactorily at temperatures below 121°C (250°F) while those made from either of the other two alloys would not. Similar conclusions could not be drawn on the basis of bending yield strength.

CHASE 69000

Abstract CHASE 69000 is a high-strength copper alloy that exceeds the strength levels of phosphor bronzes and some beryllium copper alloys. It is an electronic grade of copper alloy with excellent hot and cold-working characteristics. It is available in strip form and can be joined by soldering, brazing and resistance welding. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on high temperature performance and corrosion resistance as well as forming, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: Cu-351. Producer or source: Chase Brass & Copper Company Inc..

High strength copper alloys by thermomechanical treatments

A thermomechanical processing technique for in creasing the strength of copper alloys is described. Alloys studied include phosphor bronze (5 pct Sn), nickel silver (12 pct Ni-28 pct Zn), tin-modified cupronickel (9 pct Ni-2 pctSn), and Cu−Be (2 pct Be). In this technique, the material is cold-rolled to about 95 pct reduction in thickness followed by heat treatment below the recrystallization temperature. The severe cold work results in increased strenght through strain hardening and texture strengthening, but at the expense of decreased ductility. The terminal heat treatment recovers the ductility while maintaining or increasing the strength imparted by cold work alone. Preliminary results indicate that cold work-accelerated precipitation is chiefly responsible for the strength increase during heat treatment. As a result of the present processing, the copper alloys exhibit higher yield strengths for given amounts of ductility than have heretofore been attained.

Cu-Ni-Be-Al合金の時効性について

For the purpose of obtaining high-strength copper alloys having high corrosion resistance, the aging characteristics and the spring property of Cu-30%Ni containing 0.47 wt%Be and 0.6∼3.0 wt%Al have mainly been investigated by means of the hardness test, X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy (replica method), and the spring test.The results obtained were as follows:(1) These alloys showed a maximum hardness value at 500°∼600°C when aged at 300°∼800°C for 1 hr after water quenching from 1050°C, and maximum value in hardness at 600°C increases with the amount of added aluminum.(2) It is concluded that age hardening occurred by heating at 600°C after water quenching from 1050°C is due to the precipitation of NiBe (β) and Ni3Al, and that the hardening at an earlier stage of aging is contributed by the precipitation of non-equilibrium phase (β′) but the hardening at later stage is due to the precipitation of Ni3Al.(3) Moreover, it seems that added aluminum suppresses the grain-boundary reaction developed by the precipitation of NiBe and consequently restrains the over-aging of these alloys.(4) The alloy containing about 2.4%Al showed an excellent spring property having a maximum value of about 125 kg/mm2 in Kb, when it was cold rolled by 50% after water quenched from 1050°C and aged at 400°∼500°C for 1 hr.

AMPCOLOY 405

Abstract Ampcoloy 405 is a high strength, ductile, corrosion and wear resistant copper alloy available in extruded solid bar form for gears, valve seats, marine hardware, etc. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties. It also includes information on corrosion resistance as well as forming, heat treating, machining, and joining. Filing Code: Cu-116. Producer or source: Ampco Metal Inc..