Materials Science on CD-ROM User Guide
Aluminium Alloys: Systems
Version 2.1
Graeme Marshall, Alcan International Ltd.
Paul Evans, Alcan International Ltd.
Andrew Green, MATTER |
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Before starting this module, it is important that you can use binary phase diagrams to
define the equilibrium constitution of an alloy for any combination of composition and
temperature. If you need to review this topic, then you might like to refer to the module Introduction to Phase Diagrams.
You should also be familiar with the following terms: density, thermal conductivity,
electrical conductivity, specific heat, melting point, tensile strength, tensile
ductility, elastic modulus, hardness.
This module comprises 3 sections:
- Properties of Pure Aluminium
- Alloying Additions
- Classification of Aluminium Alloys
Properties of Pure Aluminium
In this short section, the basic properties of pure aluminium are compared with those
of other common engineering materials. The properties considered are as follows:
Alloying Additions
A small number of other elements are added to aluminium in order to modify its basic
properties. The eight most important are chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese,
silicon, titanium and zinc. These can be grouped into those with high solid solubility and
those with low solid solubility. Binary phase diagrams are given for each of the major
alloying elements.
Classification of Aluminium Alloys
Aluminium alloys are classified by both composition and temper. This
section introduces the 'AA' or Aluminium Association system of classification. At the end,
a couple of exercises are provided to check whether the student can recognise and use
these classifications.
The student is referred to the following resources in this module:
Polmear, I.J., Light Alloys, 2nd ed., Arnold, 1989
Mondolfo, L.F., Aluminium Alloys: Structure and Properties, Butterworths, 1976
Porter, D.A., and Easterling, K.E., Phase Transformations in Metals and Alloys,
2nd edition, Chapman & Hall, 1992
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