The Element. Physical Properties (Gmelin Handbook of Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry - 8th edition)

Beryllium Supplement Volume A2 describes the properties of the bulk metal, the main emphasis being on the crystallographic structure and the structure-related (mechanical) properties. The great importance of this metal, for instance in nuclear and space technologies, results from its unique combination of properties, i.e., low density, extremely high elasticity modulus, and relatively high melting point. In addition, Be played a particular role in studying the fundamental mechanisms of deformation in the lattices of metals. On this basis, numerous factors contributing to the ductility or brittleness of Be are discussed. Thermal and magnetic properties complete the description of Be in this volume.