Tensile Strength of construction materials: Aluminium
Table of Contents
Tensile Strength of Aluminium?
The tensile strength of aluminium varies depending on the specific alloy and heat treatment used. However, a general range for the tensile strength of commercial aluminium alloys is typically between 70 and 700 MPa (megapascals).
Pure aluminum (99.5% to 99.9% aluminum) typically has a tensile strength around 90 to 110 MPa.
Aluminum alloy 6061, one of the most commonly used alloys, has a tensile strength of about 310 MPa in its T6 temper (solution heat-treated and artificially aged).
High-strength aerospace aluminium alloys, like 7075 aluminium, can have tensile strengths exceeding 500 MPa, especially in tempered forms.
It’s important to note that these values can vary based on the specific composition and manufacturing processes of the aluminium in question. For precise applications or specific grades of aluminium, consulting technical datasheets or material standards is recommended.
What is the Ultimate Tensile strength of Aluminum?
The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of aluminium varies widely depending on the specific alloy and its heat treatment. Here are some examples for common aluminium alloys:
Pure Aluminium: The UTS of pure aluminium (99.5% to 99.9% Al) is typically around 90 to 110 MPa.
Aluminium Alloy 6061: For aluminium alloy 6061 in the T6 temper, the UTS is approximately 310 MPa.
Aluminium Alloy 7075: This high-strength aerospace aluminium alloy can have a UTS exceeding 500 MPa, particularly in its tempered forms.
These values are indicative and can vary based on the exact composition, manufacturing process, and treatment of the aluminium. For specific applications or detailed information about a particular grade of aluminium, it’s always best to refer to technical datasheets or standards provided by the manufacturer or relevant industry standards.
What are the references for structural grades from British and European standards?
British and European standards for aluminium use a series of designations to categorize different grades of aluminium alloys, based on their properties and intended applications. These standards ensure consistency and quality across products made from aluminium. The most commonly referenced standards are the British Standards (BS) and the European Norm (EN).
Here are some of the key structural grades for aluminium under these standards:
BS Standards (British Standards):
BS EN 485: This standard covers sheet, strip, and plate.
BS EN 754: This standard is for cold drawn rod/bar and tube.
BS EN 755: This standard covers extruded rod/bar, tube, and profiles.
BS EN 573: This series provides the chemical composition of aluminium alloys.
Specific grades under these standards are often designated with a four-digit number (like 6061, 6082, etc.), similar to the American Aluminium Association (AA) system.
EN Standards (European Norm):
EN AW-1050A: It’s equivalent to 1050A and is a pure aluminium grade with excellent corrosion resistance.
EN AW-2011: A high-strength alloy for use in precision machining.
EN AW-5083: Known for its high strength and resistance to seawater, it’s used in marine applications.
EN AW-6061: This is a widely used medium-strength alloy with good corrosion resistance and weldability.
EN AW-7075: One of the highest strength aluminium alloys available, used in aerospace and high-stress applications.
These grades are specified for various forms such as sheet, plate, extrusions, and bars, each having its own specific properties and applications. The European EN standards often prefix the grade with “EN AW-” to indicate Aluminium Wrought products.
For detailed specifications, mechanical properties, and applications of a specific grade, it is advisable to refer to the standard documents or technical resources provided by aluminium suppliers or standard organizations.
Structural Aluminum Table
Alloy Grade | Typical Use | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Brinell Hardness (HB) |
EN AW-1050A | General fabrication | 20 – 50 | 65 – 95 | 35 – 45 | 20 – 30 |
EN AW-2011 | High-strength; Machining | 110 – 180 | 180 – 220 | 5 – 15 | 95 – 120 |
EN AW-5083 | Marine; Cryogenics | 110 – 160 | 270 – 345 | 12 – 25 | 75 – 85 |
EN AW-6061 | Structural; Automotive | 240 – 280 | 260 – 320 | 8 – 12 | 95 – 100 |
EN AW-7075 | Aerospace; High-stress | 430 – 480 | 540 – 570 | 5 – 11 | 150 – 160 |