Beryllium is one of the lightest metals known. It presents the designer with
a combination of desirable properties not found in any other material. Strength-to-weight
and stiffness-to-weight ratios of beryllium are outstanding. It has the highest
specific heat of any metal, as well as excellent thermal conductivity, and
it has excellent properties at both elevated and cryogenic temperatures. The
combination of these properties makes it the premier material for space applications.
When combined with pure aluminum, beryllium forms a unique metal matrix composite
(MMC), called AlBeMet®. This MMC is one of the easiest-to-machine MMC’s
and has its own unique properties. This material provides an excellent improvement
in stiffness, density and thermal conductivity compared to aluminum alloys.
AlBe has also been used as an optical substrate and can be nickel plated and
polished using conventional equipment. This material provides a cost effective
solution for applications in the space market.
AlBeWeld is a process that was developed for Electron Beam welding AlBeMet. This process provides superior structural integrity as well as serves as a means to reduce input material and fabrication costs. E-Materials are high performance Be-BeO MMC’s that have tailorable thermal, physical and mechanical properties. This family of materials is ideally suited for electronic packaging applications.
Robert Michel
received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University in
1979. Rob was a program engineer at Hercules and Fibertek from 1979-1986 and
then co-founded R-Cubed Composites working there until late 2000. When R-cubed
closed, he went to work for ATK Precision Structures until late 2005. He is
currently the Manager of Market and Business Development at Brush Wellman
Inc. He has been involved on numerous aerospace programs and has over 27 years
experience in the composites industry.