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The compression spring shown is made from a Beryllium-Copper alloy and is age hardened - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question a - 2017
Question a
The compression spring shown is made from a Beryllium-Copper alloy and is age hardened. (i) Describe the process of age hardening. (ii) With reference to the sprin... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The compression spring shown is made from a Beryllium-Copper alloy and is age hardened - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question a - 2017
Step 1
Describe the process of age hardening.
Answer
Age hardening is a heat treatment process applied to certain non-ferrous alloys like Beryllium-Copper. The process involves two main stages:
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Solution Treatment: The alloy is first heated to a high temperature, allowing the soluble alloying elements to dissolve into the base metal, creating a solid solution. This process helps to achieve a uniform microstructure.
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Ageing: After solution treatment, the material is rapidly cooled and then aged at room temperature or at an elevated temperature. During the aging process, precipitates form as the alloying elements diffuse out of the solid solution. This precipitation leads to an increase in hardness and strength due to the distortion of the material lattice, which impedes dislocation movement.
Step 2
With reference to the spring shown, outline two benefits of the age hardening process.
Answer
The age hardening of the Beryllium-Copper alloy used in the compression spring provides several benefits, including:
- High Strength: The age hardening process significantly increases the tensile strength of the alloy, making it suitable for applications where mechanical strength is crucial.
- Corrosion Resistance: Age hardened Beryllium-Copper alloy exhibits improved resistance to corrosion, extending the lifespan of components exposed to harsh environments.