Mechanical properties of Cu-Ni-Be system alloys

The effects of addition of 0.17wt%Zr, 0.1wt%Mg and 0.1wt%Co on the mechanical properties of a Cu-1.2wt%Ni-0.2wt%Be alloy have been investigated. Adding Zr, Co or Mg to the Cu-Ni-Be alloy brings about the improvement in strength and stress relaxation property. The Zr, Co or Mg addition decreases the inter-precipitate spacing of γ'' precipitates, resulting in the increase in strength. The higher resistance to the stress relaxation of the Zr- or Co-added alloy is attributed to the lower density of mobile dislocations. The improvement of stress relaxation property by the Mg addition is explained by the viscous glide motion of dislocations dragging Mg atoms, in addition to the lower density of mobile dislocations.