Suitability of laminated steel-copper structure for high-pressure hydraulic manifolds

Abstract

Vacuum brazed steel-copper laminate could be used in high-pressure hydraulic manifolds in order to reduce size, weight and allow use of complex designs. The durability of such material is unknown. Samples were manufactured and static and dynamic tests were conducted. Results showed reduced material performance due to heat treatment. A hydraulic test manifold was manufactured and a long-term pressure load test was conducted. The material showed surprisingly good durability and pressure hull did not break in tests. A microscopic study was performed and only solidified copper in the corners had micro cracks after 10 million test cycles.