Reports of Government-supported research on the physical and process metallurgy of beryllium that were received at DMIC during the period 1958-1960, inclusive, are summarized, together with some reports and publications of foreign authors. No proprietary or classified information is included. In addition, reference is made to some of the more importa t writings on health hazards and safety procedures that appeared during the period covered. (Author).

This book introduces beryllium; its history, its chemical, mechanical, and physical properties including nuclear properties. The 29 chapters include the mineralogy of beryllium and the preferred global sources of ore bodies. The identification and specifics of the industrial metallurgical processes used to form oxide from the ore and then metal from the oxide are thoroughly described. The special features of beryllium chemistry are introduced, including analytical chemical practices. Beryllium compounds of industrial interest are identified and discussed. Alloying, casting, powder processing, forming, metal removal, joining and other manufacturing processes are covered. The effect of composition and process on the mechanical and physical properties of beryllium alloys assists the reader in material selection. The physical metallurgy chapter brings conformity between chemical and physical metallurgical processing of beryllium, metal, alloys, and compounds. The environmental degradation of beryllium and its alloys both in aqueous and high temperature condition are presented. The health and environmental issues are thoroughly presented the current requirements and established practices for handling beryllium in the workplace are available. A thorough list of references will assist the user of this book.

Studies were made to investigate the design capabilities of beryllium as a structural material and to derive and develop structural design curves and related data for efficient structural design with beryllium. The metal beryllium is believed to have high potential for aerospace structures, but is not extensively considered in design applications because of uncertainties as to the proper design procedures. This report presents information based on studies and tests which clearly shows that beryllium now may be designed with confidence into many types of load-carrying structures, using well-known methods of structural analysis and appropriate margins of safety. The resulting beryllium structures are shown to be considerably lighter than identical structures fabricated from other metals, and these structures are attainable with currently available beryllium mill products.