Method of brazing beryllium-aluminum alloys

摘要

A method is provided for joining Be-Al alloy structural members to yield a high shear strength at the interface. Surface oxides are first removed from the Be-Al alloy members. Aluminum is then selectively etched from the bonding surfaces to allow the flow of braze alloy into high aspect ratio capillary sites. A discontinuous ceramic reinforcing material, such as Al2O3 or SiC in particulate or whisker form, is added in small quantities to a braze foil, such as Al-Si, to create a composite at the bond interface. The braze foil and reinforcing material are sandwiched between the Be-Al alloy members, and the joint is heated to above the liquidus temperature of the braze alloy but below the melting point of aluminum. The resulting interface shear strength of the Be-Al alloy bond has been tested to an average of about 60% of the parent alloy shear strength.