Question

Describe the common characteristics and mechanical properties associated with aluminum.

Answer 1

Common characteristics:

Aluminium is a widely used metal next to steel. Aluminium is not used in its purest form and used by adding alloying elements like nickel, copper, cobalt, manganese, magnesium, carbon, titanium etc.

The aluminium alloys are varied by varying the composition of alloying elements from 1 series to 8 series. Some of the main characterisitcs of aluminiu material is that., it has got good ductility, good energy absorbing capacity, thermal resistance, hardness etc.

Nowadays, as steel is degrading from the earth crust, many researchers have developed that aluminium and its alloys can replace steel. Even aluminium is used in the area of defence vehicles structures also which shows that it has got good hardness and impact resistance.

Mechanical properites of aluminium:

Tensile property: The tensile strength of aluminium and its alloys varies from 50Mpa to 350Mpa. The aluminium 7 series (AA7075) has got the highest tensile strength of upto 350Mpa.

Hardness: The hardness of the aluminiu alloys also varies with repsect with its alloying elements. The hardness of pure aluminium is about 60VHN. Whereas by alloying with the other elements its possible to get 95VHN also.

Elastic modulus: The modulus of elasticity of aluminium and its alloys doesnt vary much. It has a youngs modulus of around 68 to 70 Gpa.