The Development of an Alternative Material for Beryllium Copper

Beryllium copper alloys are widely used in military aerospace applications because of the unique desirable properties imported by the beryllium alloying of copper. Because of the toxicity of beryllium and the health hazard it produces, beryllium usages is becoming quite restrictive and may be completely eliminated. In spite of previous development efforts no copper alloy has been developed which can match the properties of copper-beryllium (CuBe) alloys. This program will investigate three approaches which have not heretofore been investigated and which have a very high probability to produce a material which has properties equal or superior to CuBe and can serve as an alternative material. The three material compositions will be produced and fully characterized for high-load, stress and wear applications to permit selection of one composition for further optimization in the option periods and Phase II. The best Phase I material will be delivered to the Navy.