Copper-magnesium alloy trolley wire resists creep.(Metals)

A copper-magnesium alloy has been developed for the production of trolley wire for intercity trains in Europe, reports Rautomead International, Dundee, Scotland. Composition is 90% copper and 10% magnesium. The alloy wire is said to provide high tensile strength and good creep resistance. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi), and elongation is 3%. To cast the wire, the liquid copper must be maintained in a reducing environment to minimize reaction between the ...