A review of machining damage effects in beryllium was made. Surface damage is caused by twinning and microcracking as a result of various machining operations. Twinning is a result of surface working while microcracks initiate at intersections of twins and grain boundaries, at twin-matrix interfaces, at impurity particles, and in heavily twinned regions. These phenomena may be due to residual stresses in wrought products as well as machining parameters such as tool type, feed, and speed and depth of cut. The loss of mechanical properties due to machining damage is reviewed. Also presented is a study of surface damage actually encountered with machining of the shingles for the Gemini spacecraft.

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.