treatment-the tensile strength rising from 70,000 psi in
the annealed state to 200,000 psi in the heat-treated state.
The resistance of beryllium copper to fatigue and wear
makes it suitable for diaphragms, precision bearings and
bushings, ball cages, spring washers, and nonsparking
tools.
Monel
Monel, the leading high-nickel alloy, combines the
properties of high strength and excellent corrosion
resistance. This metal consists of 67 percent nickel, 30
percent copper, 1.4 percent iron, 1 percent manganese,
and 0.15 percent carbon. It cannot be hardened by heat
treatment; it responds only to cold-working.
Monel, adaptable to castings and hot- or cold-
working, can be successfully welded and has working
properties similar to those of steel. It has a tensile
strength of 65,000 psi that, by means of cold-working,
may be increased to 160,000 psi, thus entitling this metal
to classification among the tough alloys. Monel has been
successfully used for gears and chains, for operating
retractable landing gears, and for structural parts subject
to corrosion. In aircraft, Monel has long been used for
parts demanding both strength and high resistance to
corrosion, such as exhaust manifolds and carburetor
needle valves and sleeves.
K-Monel
K-Monel is a nonferrous alloy containing mainly
nickel, copper, and aluminum. It is produced by adding
a small amount of aluminum to the Monel formula. It is
corrosion resistant and capable of hardening by heat
treatment. K-Monel has been successfully used for
gears, chains, and structural members in aircraft that are
subjected to corrosive attacks. This alloy is nonmagnetic
at all temperatures. K-Monel can be successfully welded.
Magnesium and Magnesium Alloys
Magnesium, the worlds lightest structural metal, is
a silvery-white material weighing only two-thirds as
much as aluminum. Magnesium does not possess
sufficient strength in its pure state for structural uses;
but when it is alloyed with zinc, aluminum, and
manganese, it produces an alloy having the highest
strength/weight ratio.
Magnesium is probably more widely distributed in
nature than any other metal. It can be obtained from such
ores as dolomite and magnesite, from underground
brines, from waste liquors of potash, and from seawater,
With about 10 million pounds of magnesium in 1 cubic
mile of seawater, there is no danger of a dwindling
Supply.
Magnesium is used extensively in the manufacture
of helicopters. Its low resistance to corrosion has been
a factor in reducing its use in conventional aircraft.
The machining characteristics of magnesium alloys
are excellent. Usually the maximum speeds of machine
tools can be used with heavy cuts and high feed rates.
Power requirements for magnesium alloys are about
one-sixth of those for mild steel. An excellent surface
finish can be produced, and, in most cases, grinding is
not essential. Standard machine operations can be
performed to tolerances of a few ten-thousandths of an
inch. There is no tendency of the metal to tear or drag.
Magnesium alloy sheets can be worked in much the
same manner as other sheet metal with one exception-
the metal must be worked while hot. The structure of
magnesium is such that the alloys work harden rapidly
at room temperatures. The work is usually done at
temperatures ranging from 450°F to 650°F, which is a
disadvantage However, com-pensations are offered by
the fact that in the ranges used, magnesium is more
easily formed than other materials. Sheets can be
sheared in much the same way as other metals, except
that a rough flaky fracture is produced on sheets thicker
than about 0.064 inch. A better edge will result on a
sheet over 0.064 inch thick if it is sheared hot.
Annealed sheet can be heated to 600°F, but
hard-rolled sheet should not be heated above 275°F. A
straight bend with a short radius can be made by the
Guerin process, as shown in figure 1-24, or by press or
leaf brakes. The Guerin process is the most widely used
method for forming and shallow drawing, employing a
rubber pad as the female die, which bends the work to
the sharpe of the male die.
Magnesium alloys possess good casting
characteristics. Their properties compare favorably with
those of cast aluminum. In forging, hydraulic presses are
ordinarily used; although, under certain conditions,
forging can be accomplished in mechanical presses or
with drop hammers.
Magnesium embodies fire hazards of an
unpredictable nature. When in large sections, its high
thermal conductivity makes it difficult to ignite and
prevents its burning. It will not burn until the melting
point is reached, which is approximately 1,200°F,
However, magnesium dust and fine chips are ignited
1-34