Copper alloy is converted into a spring material that can be rolled into a compact coil which will spontaneously open to form a tube in the long direction of the strip. The copper alloy is passed through a furnace at a prescribed temperature while restraining the strip in the desired tubular configuration

Park, J. J.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

ming Tube 
Ao -3// 
January 1966
	 Brief 66-10009 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Coiled Sheet Metal Strip Opens into Tubular Configuration 
Coiled Metal Strip
The problem: To devise a method of converting a 
strip of copper or copper-based alloy into a springy 
material that can be rolled into a compact coil which 
will spontaneously open to form a tube in the long 
direction of the strip when a restraining force is re-
leased. The strip must be capable of withstanding re-
peated cycling between the coiled and tubular forms. 
The solution: Pass the copper alloy strip through a 
furnace at a prescribed temperature while restraining 
the strip in the desired tubular configuration, the 
temperature depending upon the composition of the 
strip.
How it's done: Experiments were conducted using 
a glass tube (0.65-inch i.d.) and strips of a beryl-
lium-copper alloy (2-inch width X 0.002-inch thick) 
to determine the time-temperature parameters re-
quired to convert the strips into the desired tubular 
configurations. Each of several strips of the alloy was 
forced lengthwise into the glass tube which was then 
placed in a furnace maintained at a prescribed tem-
perature for a given period of time. The test strip was 
then removed from the furnace and allowed to cool at 
room temperature. 
The experiments indicated that desired results can 
be obtained after heat treatment of the alloy strip at 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000009 2020-03-11T17:33:00+00:00Z
various combinations of time and temperature. A 
copper alloy tube of 0.65-inch-diameter (equal to the 
inside diameter of the glass forming tube) was formed 
by heating the material at 920° F for only 4 minutes. 
At a temperature of 770°F, heating for 15 minutes 
produced a tube having a diameter of 0.68 inch. 
Notes: 
1. The parameters for converting a strip of copper 
alloy into a tubular configuration, as summarized 
above, are believed to be new, although similar 
tubular material can be obtained from at least 
one commercial source. There apparently are no 
previously published data on the temperature-
time requirements for producing the tubular con-
figuration from a metal strip. 
2. The principle of this method should be applicable 
to various other metals.
3. This material may have application in equipment 
requiring compact elements which can be quickly 
extended into tubular structures. Examples are 
radio antennas and support columns for sensors. 
4. An application of this material is described in 
NASATech Brief B64-10011 May 1964. 
5. Inquiries may also be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt. Mar y land. 20771 
Reference: B66-10009 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commer-
cial use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
AGP, Washington, D.C., 20546.
Source: John J. Park,

Goddard Space Flight Center

(G S FC -425) 
Brief 66-10009	 Categories 03, 05


Coiled sheet metal strip opens into tubular configuration

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