AMS 4138

AMS 4138 Aluminum Alloy – Composition, Properties and Uses

If you are in the aerospace industry, you must be familiar with AMS 4138. It is a high-strength alloy that is commonly used in structural applications. AMS 4138 has exceptional mechanical and physical properties and is frequently used to manufacture critical aircraft parts. This article will dive deep into AMS 4138, discussing its composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, uses and heat treatment.

What is AMS 4138?

AMS 4138 is a high-strength alloy steel commonly used in the aerospace industry. This type of steel is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, making it an ideal material for building lightweight yet incredibly durable aircraft components. AMS4138 has created various aerospace parts, from landing gears and wing struts to engine mounts and structural brackets. With its impressive properties and versatility, it’s no wonder that AMS4138 is a go-to material for many aerospace manufacturers worldwide.

AMS 4138 Composition

AMS 4138 is an alloy steel primarily composed of carbon, manganese, silicon, chromium and molybdenum. It also contains traces of aluminium, nickel, and titanium. The concentration of each element has been precisely adjusted to form a strong and durable alloy that can perform under extreme conditions.

AMS 4138 Physical Properties

AMS 4138 has a density of 7.83 g/cm³, a melting point of 1427°C and a thermal expansion coefficient of 11.7 × 10^-6/K. In its annealed state, AMS 4138 has a high electrical conductivity of 33.6% IACS and a thermal conductivity of 44.5 W/mK. It also possesses exceptional corrosion and oxidation resistance, making it a reliable material for critical applications in the aerospace industry.

AMS 4138 Mechanical Properties

AMS 4138 has a tensile strength of 1400 MPa and a yield strength of 1275 MPa. Its elongation at break is 16%, while its modulus of elasticity is 190-210 GPa. This alloy steel can also withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for use in environments where heat exposure is inevitable. Moreover, it has a good fatigue strength performance, which means it can endure repetitive stress and vibrations without breaking down.

AMS 4138 Uses

AMS 4138 is an alloy steel that is used extensively in aerospace applications. It is commonly used to make spacecraft, aircraft, and missile structural parts. Due to its excellent strength can withstand the harsh aerodynamic forces that aircraft experience during take-off and landing. It is also used to manufacture landing gear and engine components.

AMS 4138 Hardness

The hardness of AMS 4138 varies depending on the heat treatment it undergoes. In its annealed state, it has a Brinell hardness of 300 HB. However, after being quenched and tempered, its hardness increases to 340-390 HB. This makes it an excellent choice for manufacturing high-stress components that demand high hardness.

AMS 4138 Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is a critical process for AMS 4138 as it affects its mechanical properties, particularly strength. This alloy can be heat-treated by quenching and tempering to improve its hardness and toughness. Quenching involves heating the material to a temperature above its critical temperature and then cooling it rapidly. This creates a uniform microstructure that improves its strength properties. On the other hand, tempering involves reheating the material to a lower temperature and then allowing it to cool gradually. This process reduces the material’s brittleness and improves its toughness.

Conclusion:

AMS 4138 is a high-strength alloy steel widely used in the aerospace industry. Its exceptional mechanical and physical properties make it an ideal material for manufacturing critical aircraft parts. The composition of AMS 4138 has been optimized to form a strong, durable and corrosion-resistant alloy that can perform under extreme conditions. If you are in the aerospace industry, consider using AMS 4138 for your next project.

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