Looking for a low weight - high stiffness material 1

[SolSurfer]

I am serching for a material that is available in sheet form to replace the Molybdenum I am currently using. The Moly to too heavy. Any suggestions?

 

[CoryPad]

Fiber-reinforced composites and ceramics have higher elastic modulus and lower mass density than Mo. Depending on the shape and loading of the sheet, Ti, Al, or Mg could be used.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[stanweld]

You do not define what density or modulus of elasticity is desired. Niobium (Columbium) alloys may prove useful.

 

[EdStainless]

graphite/epoxy composites have very high specific striffness (modulus/density). You can play with the fibers (grahite, boron and various glasses) to control the modulus. I don't recall any metal having a higher specific stiffness than Mo.

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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be slowed down.

 

[SolSurfer]

As far as preferred modulas and density, I would like something with a modulas of Alumina (~45) and the density of Titanium (~.164lb/in3) but that's not likely to happen. The concern with Alumina is its low strength, or brittleness. And Titanium or Ti alloys only have a modulas around 16. So, if I could have the Modulas of Moly but at 1/3 the mass, I'd be a very happy man. Any chance of that?

 

[IRstuff]

What about aluminum-beryllium (AlBeMet)?

http://www.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=NBB002

TTFN

 

[SolSurfer]

Thanks for the AlBeMet lead. I'll look into it.