ABSTRACT
Copper beryllium (CuBe) is one of the most important construction materials for high pressure devices, including cells and gaskets used for neutron scattering. The three principal reasons are: (1) Its exceptional mechanical properties which can rival with high tensile steels. After appropriate heat treatment CuBe can reach a yield strength of 1.2 GPa and a tensile strength of 1.4 GPa at 300 K. (2) CuBe is diamagnetic and hence compatible with magnetic measurements. (3) CuBe does not embrittle at low temperature, nor does it embrittle under the influence of hydrogen, in contrast to many (most) high tensile steels. This alloy is hence ideal for low temperature high pressure applications.
