AMS 4159 is a specification for a high-strength aluminium alloy commonly used in the aerospace industry. This alloy is renowned for its excellent mechanical properties and high resistance to corrosion. The AMS 4159 specification sets out this alloy’s composition requirements, physical and mechanical properties, heat treatment, and hardness. This blog post will comprehensively cover all aspects of AMS 4159, including its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, hardness, and heat treatment.
What is AMS 4159?
AMS 4159 (also known as 7049 Aluminum Alloy) is a specification that lays out the requirements for high-performance materials used in aviation. More specifically, it defines the standards for producing aluminium alloys for manufacturing aircraft parts. This standard ensures that certain criteria, such as the material’s composition, physical properties, and chemical properties, are met to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft. With a focus on quality and durability, the AMS4159 specification has become an essential part of the aviation industry and a crucial tool in maintaining the safety of millions of air travellers.
AMS 4159 Composition
The AMS 4159 specification requires this alloy to have a minimum of 4.5% copper and a maximum of 5.6% copper, with the addition of other elements such as magnesium, silicon, iron, and zinc. The alloy is designed to provide an excellent strength and corrosion resistance combination. The copper content of this alloy also makes it highly resistant to stress corrosion cracking.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium / aluminum, Al | 88.7 |
| Zinc, Zn | 7.6 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.5 |
| Copper, Cu | 1.5 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.15 |
AMS 4159 Physical Properties
AMS 4159 has excellent physical properties, making it ideal for various applications. Its density is 2.77 g/cm³, with a melting point of 580°C. The alloy has a thermal conductivity of 131 W/m.°K and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 23.3 x 10-6/°C. In addition, it exhibits good electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electrical applications.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.6-2.8 g/cm3 | 0.0939-0.1011 lb/in³ |
AMS 4159 Mechanical Properties
AMS 4159 has excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and fatigue resistance. The alloy’s ultimate tensile strength is 524 MPa, and its yield strength is 485 MPa. It also has a high elongation rate of 10% and excellent fracture toughness. These properties make AMS 4159 ideal for aircraft and aerospace applications, where high strength and toughness are critical.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic modulus | 70-80 Gpa | 10152-11603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
AMS 4159 Uses
AMS 4159 alloy is widely used in the aerospace industry, where it is used to manufacture a wide range of components, including aircraft skins, fuselage panels, wing panels, landing gear, and engine components. Its excellent strength and corrosion resistance properties make it ideal for use in harsh environments such as aerospace applications.
AMS 4159 Hardness
The hardness of AMS 4159 is typically in the region of 130 HB, making it a relatively hard alloy. This hardness is achieved by combining the alloy’s composition and the heat treatment process.
AMS 4159 Heat Treatment
AMS 4159 is typically heat-treated to achieve optimal mechanical and material properties. The heat treatment process involves solution heat treatment, which involves heating the material to a temperature of around 530°C, followed by quenching in water or other suitable media. This process improves mechanical properties, including increased hardness, strength, and toughness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AMS 4159 material is an excellent high-strength aluminium alloy widely used in aerospace. Its excellent mechanical and material properties make it ideal for use in harsh environments in aerospace applications. The alloy’s composition, physical and mechanical properties, use hardness, and heat treatment have been comprehensively covered in this blog post. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into AMS 4159 and its various aspects.
Pipingmart is a B2B portal that specializes in metal, industrial and piping items. Additionally, we share the latest information and information about materials, products and various types of grades to assist businesses that are involved in this business.
