Copper-based alloys for structural high-heat-flux applications: a review of development, properties, and performance of Cu-rich Cu-Cr-Nb alloys

This review examines the development and current state of Cu-rich Cu-Cr-Nb alloys commonly referred to as GRCop or Glenn Research copper alloys with emphasis on Cu-8Cr-4Nb (at%), or GRCop-84, and Cu-4Cr-2Nb, or GRCop-42. Recent additive manufacturing efforts have increased interest in GRCop alloys, and full-scale hardware has been fabricated using AM techniques and practical hot-fire tests have been conducted, but structure-property relationships are still under development. The development, processing, and current microstructure-property relationships of GRCop alloys are reviewed along with comparisons to similar high-heat-flux Cu alloys including NARloy-Z, GlidCop Al-15, AMZIRC, Cu-1Cr-0.1Zr, and Cu-0.9Cr. The review concludes with an assessment of future prospects for GRCop alloys and overview of advantages provided by additive manufacturing.

Automated summary

This review discusses the development and current state of Cu-rich Cu-Cr-Nb alloys, specifically focusing on GRCop-84 and GRCop-42. Recent advancements in additive manufacturing have boosted interest in GRCop alloys, with full-scale hardware and hot-fire tests being conducted, but further research on structure-property relationships is needed. Comparisons to other high-heat-flux Cu alloys are made, and future prospects and advantages provided by additive manufacturing for GRCop alloys are assessed.