When it comes to the aerospace industry, materials that are used must meet specific requirements. AMS4026 is one such material commonly used in the aerospace industry. It is a type of aluminium alloy known for its excellent properties. This blog post will explore AMS 4026’s composition, physical and mechanical properties, hardness, and heat treatment.
What is AMS 4026?
If you’re in the aerospace or aviation industry, you may have encountered AMS4026. AMS 4026 (also known as 6061 Aluminum Alloy) is a specification from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) that outlines the requirements for aluminium alloy sheets and plates. Specifically, this specification covers an aluminium alloy called 6061-T4, commonly used in aircraft structure construction. This alloy provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance and is also lightweight – a crucial factor for any aircraft component. So, whether you’re building planes or maintaining them, understanding AMS4026 is an essential part of ensuring the safety and reliability of your aircraft.
What Form Is AMS 4026 Available at Piping Mart?
- Pipes
- Tubing
- Sheet Plates
- Forged Fittings
- Pipe Fittings
AMS 4026 Composition
AMS4026 is an aluminium alloy that contains copper, chromium, and magnesium as the main alloying elements. It also contains trace amounts of other elements like iron, silicon, and titanium. The alloy has a composition range of silicon (0.4%), copper (1.2%), magnesium (0.6%), chromium (0.25%), and other elements like zinc, manganese, and titanium that account for the remaining percentage.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium / Aluminum, Al | 97.9 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 1 |
| Silicon, Si | 0.60 |
| Copper, Cu | 0.28 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.20 |
AMS 4026 Physical Properties
AMS 4026 has a density of 2.78 g/cm3 and a melting point of 606°C (1123°F). The thermal conductivity of the alloy is 120W/m.K, making it an excellent choice for heat exchangers used in the aerospace and automotive industries. The thermal expansion coefficient of the alloy is 23.1 x 10^-6/K, which means that it can withstand a wide range of temperature changes.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.7 g/cm3 | 0.0975 lb/in3 |
| Melting point | 588°C | 1090°F |
AMS 4026 Mechanical Properties
AMS 4026 has excellent mechanical properties. It has a minimum tensile strength of 505 MPa (73,200 psi) and a minimum yield strength of 435 MPa (63,100 psi). The alloy also has excellent fatigue strength, making it an ideal material for components subjected to repeated stress cycles. The elongation of the alloy is 10% at a thickness of up to 25.4 mm (1 inch).
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa | 45000 psi |
| Yield strength | 276 MPa | 40000 psi |
| Shear strength | 207 MPa | 30000 psi |
| Fatigue strength | 96.5 MPa | 14000 psi |
| Elastic modulus | 68.9 GPa | 10000 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Elongation | 12-17% | 12-17% |
| Hardness, Brinell | 95 | 95 |
AMS 4026 Equivalents
| AMS 4117 | ASTM B247 | ASTM B429 | DIN 3.3211 | MIL G-18014 | QQ A-200/8 |
| ASTM B209 | ASTM B307 | ASTM B483 | MIL A-12545 | MIL G-18015 | QQ A-225/8 |
| ASTM B210 | ASTM B313 | ASTM B547 | MIL A-22771 | MIL P-25995 | QQ A-250/11 |
| ASTM B211 | ASTM B316 | ASTM B548 | MIL F-17132A | MIL T-7081 | QQ A-367 |
| ASTM B221 | ASTM B345 | ASTM B632 | MIL F-18280 | MIL W-23351 | QQ A-430 |
| ASTM B234 | ASTM B361 | ASTM F467 | MIL F-39000 | MIL W-85 | QQ WW-T-700/6 |
| ASTM B241 | ASTM B404 | ASTM F468 | MIL F-3922 | QQ A-200/16 | SAE J454 |
AMS 4026 Uses
AMS 4026 is commonly used in the aerospace industry to manufacture structural components like aircraft wings, fuselages, and landing gears. The alloy is also used in the automotive industry to manufacture cylinder heads and other engine components. The excellent corrosion resistance of the alloy makes it an ideal material for marine applications like boat hulls and components exposed to saltwater.
AMS 4026 Hardness
The hardness of AMS 4026 is dependent on the heat treatment process. When the alloy is heat-treated, it can attain a hardness of 75 HRB. This makes it an excellent material for high-strength and hard components.
AMS 4026 Heat Treatment
AMS 4026 can be heat-treated to attain its desired properties. The common heat treatment processes that are used include solution heat treatment and precipitation hardening. Solution heat treatment involves heating the alloy to a temperature of 510°C (950°F) for a specified duration and then quenching it in water. Precipitation hardening involves heating the alloy to a temperature of 130°C (266°F) for a specific duration to cause precipitation of copper-rich particles that harden the alloy.
Conclusion:
AMS 4026 is an excellent material widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries. Its copper, magnesium, and chromium composition gives it excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and hardness. The alloy is also easy to heat-treat, making it an ideal material for components that require specific properties. With its versatility, AMS 4026 is an essential material that will continue to be used in the aerospace and automotive industries for years.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
