Define/Demonstrate Non-hazardous or Less Hazardous Beryllium (Be) Material for Defense Applications

ACR will develop a beryllium replacement material suitable for use in the systems manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, AZ. The work will include the identification of suitable materials such as metal alloys of magnesium or other materials as seen fit based on the required material properties of stiffness, density, strength and machinability. The processing knowledge gained during the Phase I effort will be used to make near net shape parts or coupons for machining into test samples or completed structures. Characterization will be pursued after identification and fabrication of the materials. Sub-contractor Dr. Carl Boehlert of Michigan State University, will characterize the material properties starting with tensile strength and continuing with density, chemical analysis, and microstructural characterization. If resources permit the investigation of deformed structures will be performed as well. The development of commercial processing to form net shape and size components will be pursued under a subcontract with Dr. David Schwam of Case Western Reserve University. The process of liquid metal forging will be used to form alloy components and the development of a commercial process at Case Western will allow a smooth transition to a manufacturing process for the beryllium replacement alloy to be manufactured.