W. R. Cribb, Brush Wellman Inc., Cleveland, OH; F. C. Grensing, Brush Wellman Inc., Elmore, OH
Different grades of spinodally-hardened Copper-Nickel-Tin alloys have been under development for over 40 years. A process utilizing a combination of hot and cold work followed by a spinodal decomposition thermal treatment yields the highest property combination. These alloys have become the material of choice in high performance wear-critical applications. This presentation reviews a new high-strength temper, ToughMet® 3 TS160U, which has significantly higher design strength. In preparation for AMS and MMPDS design allowables listing, substantial rod testing data were generated, including basic tensile and compression mechanical properties, pin bearing performance and shear strength.
Property performance will be described in detail. Initial findings relating to work hardening and fracture characteristics will be presented, including key inputs to modeling and design.
Summary: A Cu-15Ni-8Sn cold worked and spinodally hardened alloy was developed for aircraft bearing service and is a high strength alternative to other performance copper alloys. Available tempers are MMPDS listed. Mechanical properties, work hardening and fracture characteristics will be reviewed.
