Progress in the Application of Rare Light Metal Beryllium

Abstract

As a special functional and structural material, the rare metal beryllium has been widely applied in many key areas due to its excellent nuclear properties, optical properties and physical properties such as low density, high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and excellent thermal properties. This article systematically reviews application of beryllium in strategic nuclear energy, high-energy physics, inertial navigation systems, aircraft structural components, optical systems and commercial fields. The paper also examines how beryllium promoted technological advances and improved the facilities performance in its applications fields. Beryllium plays an important role in the development of nuclear technology, defense, and aerospace, which make beryllium become a strategic and critical engineering material. The paper provides a reference for scientists and technicians to employ beryllium in more fields.