AMS 5659 is a popular alloy widely used in various industries, including aerospace, defense, marine, and automotive. Also known as 15-5PH, this precipitation-hardening stainless steel offers excellent strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. This article will examine AMS 5659 and discuss its composition, physical and mechanical properties, uses, hardness, and heat treatment.
What is AMS 5659?
AMS 5659 (also known as 15-5 PH Stainless Steel) is a specification for stainless steel bars, forgings, and rings used in producing aircraft components, which requires excellent strength and corrosion resistance. This specification sets out the chemical and mechanical properties these components must meet, ensuring high-quality products. AMS 5659 is an important standard for manufacturers in the aerospace industry, as it guarantees the reliability and durability of their products. With the increasing demand for aircraft worldwide, AMS 5659 cannot be overstated. Understanding and adhering to this specification ensures that aeroplanes are safe, reliable, and efficient, making them a crucial component in the aviation industry.
AMS 5659 Composition
AMS 5659 is a martensitic stainless steel that contains chromium, nickel, and copper as primary alloying elements. It also contains small amounts of phosphorus, sulfur, manganese, and carbon. The copper content in AMS 5659 enhances its corrosion resistance and precipitation-hardening properties. Steel is available in various forms: sheet, plate, bar, and forging.
| Carbon | 0.07 max |
| Manganese | 1.00 max |
| Phosphorus | 0.040 max |
| Sulfur | 0.030 max |
| Silicon | 1.00 max |
| Chromium | 14.00 – 15.50 |
| Nickel | 3.50 – 5.50 |
| Copper | 2.50 – 4.50 |
| Columbium plus Tantalum | 0.15 – 0.45 |
AMS 5659 Physical Properties
AMS 5659 has a density of 7.75 g/cm3 and a melting point of 1410-1450°C. It exhibits a low coefficient of thermal expansion and a high thermal conductivity. The steel has good flexibility and is easy to form and weld. It also shows excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion.
- Melting Point: 2560 – 2625°F (1404 – 1440°C)
- Density: 0.282 lbs/in3 / 7.78 g/cm3
- Modulus of Elasticity in Tension: 28.5 X 106 psi / 196 GPa
AMS 5659 Mechanical Properties
AMS 5659 offers high strength, hardness, and toughness. The steel can be precipitation hardened to achieve even higher strength and hardness. The minimum tensile strength of AMS 5659 is 135 ksi, and the minimum yield strength is 105 ksi. Its elongation at break is 5-15%, and its Charpy impact toughness is 20-25 ft-lbs at room temperature.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 1380 MPa | 200000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 1275 MPa | 184900 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa | 29000 ksi |
| Elongation at Break | 10% | 10% |
| Hardness, Brinell | 420 | 420 |
| Hardness, Knoop | 451 | 451 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B | 104 | 104 |
| Hardness, Rockewell C | 44.2 | 44.2 |
| Hardness, Vickers | 445 | 445 |
| Charpy Impact | 10 J | 7.38 ft.lb |
AMS 5659 Equivalents
- PH15-5
- XM-12
- UNS S15500
- 15Cr-5Ni
- DIN X4CrNiCuNb164
- X5CrNiCu15-5
- DIN 1.4540
- DIN 1.4545
- SAE 15-5
AMS 5659 Specifications
- AMS 5659 (Bar & Forgings)
- AMS 5862 (Plate)
- ASTM A564 (Grade XM-12)
- ASTM A705 (Grade XM-12)
- ASME SA564
- Boeing BMS 7-240
- Boeing BMS 7-351
- SPP Canada Aircraft SPPCA-EN-SOW-0036 (Capability)
- Liebherr LAT 1-9037
- AMS-STD-2154 (Ultrasonic Inspection)
AMS 5659 Uses
AMS 5659 sheets is used in various applications that require high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in aerospace components such as gear shafts, fasteners, and structural parts. It is also used in defence equipment such as missile parts, munitions, and tanks. In addition, AMS 5659 material is used in marine equipment, automotive parts, and medical devices.
AMS 5659 Hardness
AMS 5659 has a hardness of 37 HRC in its annealed state, and it can be hardened to a maximum of 44 HRC by precipitation hardening. The steel offers excellent wear resistance and is suitable for applications that require high hardness and wear resistance.
AMS 5659 Heat Treatment
AMS 5659 can be heat treated by either solution annealing or precipitation hardening. Solution annealing involves heating the steel to 1040-1100°C and cooling it rapidly to obtain a soft and ductile structure. Precipitation hardening involves heating the steel to 480-620°C and holding it at that temperature for a specific time to allow the copper to precipitate and strengthen the steel.
Conclusion:
AMS5659 is a highly versatile stainless steel alloy with a unique combination of strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Its composition, physical and mechanical properties, and heat treatment make it an ideal material for various applications. If you are looking for a high-performance alloy for your project, consider using AMS 5659 material for optimal results.
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