Semi-solid metal forming of beryllium-reinforced aluminum alloys

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:186761

Haws, W; Lane, L; Marder, J ^[1]; Nicholas, N ^[2]

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1. Brush Wellman Inc., Cleveland, OH (United States)
2. Formcast, Inc., Denver, CO (United States)

A Powder Metallurgy (PM) based, Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) forming process has been developed to produce low cost near-net shapes of beryllium-reinforced aluminum alloys. Beryllium acts as a reinforcing additive to the aluminum, in which there is nearly no mutual solid solubility. The modulus of elasticity of the alloy dramatically increases, while the density and thermal expansion coefficient decrease with increasing beryllium content. The material is suitable for complex thermal management and vibration resistance applications, as well as for airborne components which are density and stiffness sensitive. The forming process involves heating a blank of the material to a temperature at which the aluminum is semi-solid and the beryllium is solid. The semi-solid blank is then injected without turbulence into a permanent mold. High quality, near net shape components can be produced which are functionally superior to those produced by other permanent mold processes. Dimensional accuracy is equivalent to or better than that obtained in high pressure die casting. Cost effectiveness is the primary advantage of this technique compared to other forming processes. The advantages and limitations of the process are described. Physical and mechanical property data are presented, as well as directions for future investigation.

• OSTI ID: 186761
• Report Number(s): CONF-950201--; ISBN 0-87339-316-3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
AGING
ALUMINIUM ALLOYS
BERYLLIUM
BULK DENSITY
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
HARDNESS
LIQUID METALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
METALLOGRAPHY
MOLDING
PHASE DIAGRAMS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SILICON ALLOYS
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMAL EXPANSION
THIXOTROPY
VISCOSITY