Aluminum 7050
Aluminum 7050 alloy is a high-strength aluminum alloy that is heat treatable and is quite often classified as advanced materials, fit for use in critical structural applications. Aluminum 7050 has been useful due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, zinc being the primary alloying element, and magnesium and copper also included for added strength and resistance to corrosion.
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Aluminum 7050 is classified under high-strength aluminum alloys. It is placed under 7000 series in which zinc is the dominant alloying metal.
In this regard, it follows that the correct name of this alloy would be aluminum 7050, or when referring to the special heat treatment temper, it can be designated as 7050-T7451. The ‘T’ of the temper designations means the particular alloy has been thermally treated for mechanical enhancement.
7050 Aluminum is a complex engineering material which is suitable for a variety of manufacturing processes. It is amenable to hot and cold working. The alloy possesses the ability to be heat treated by solution heat treatment followed by aging which improves mechanical properties. Further anodizing can be done in order to enhance the corrosion resistance of the alloy without losing its strength properties.
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Aluminum 7050 Properties
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 515 MPa (74695 psi)
- Yield Strength: 455 MPa (65992 psi)
- Fatigue Strength: 240 MPa (34809 psi)
- Elastic Modulus: 70-80 GPa (10153-11603 ksi)
- Poisson's Ratio: 0.33
- Elongation: 11%
Physical Properties
- Density: 2.6-2.8 g/cm³ (0.0939-0.101 lb/in³)
- Melting Point: 494°C (920°F)
Thermal Properties
Thermal Conductivity: 180 W/mK at 25°C
Electrical Properties
Generally, aluminum alloys have moderate electrical conductivity.
Post Treatments
- Heat Treatment: Heat treatment can be performed at 477°C (890°F).
- Aging: Heat-treatment of the alloy in two steps – the first at 122°C (250°F) for 3-6 hours and the second at 163°C (325°F) for 15 hours.
- Cold Working: It is possible to cold work using usual means.
- Welding: Not advised on account of the risk of cracking and porosity.
Common Applications
Mainly utilized for the production of aircraft and other structural parts because of its high strength and toughness.
Recommended Reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Distinguish some important features of aluminum 7050.
A: The strength, corrosion resistance, and, in particular, stress-corrosion cracking resistance, characteristics of the alloy aluminum 7050 are positively remarkable, and this makes it ideally suited for advanced application needs mainly in the aeronautical sector.
Q: Give the percentage composition of aluminum alloy 7050.
A: The aluminum 7050 chemical makeup consists of either aluminum (90.7% – 95.7%), zinc (5.7% – 6.7%), magnesium (2.0% – 2.6%), and trace copper, chromium, and Zirconium, depending on the manufacturer.
Q: For which purposes is aluminum 7050 typically applied?
A: Due to the excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to stress corrosion cracking, aluminum 7050 is mainly applied in aerospace industry for aircraft structures and parts.
Q: To what extent can one say severe deformation is present in aluminum alloy 7050?
A: Of all the aluminum alloys available, 7050 aluminum alloy has rather substantial strength particularly when compared with 7075 alloy which is well known making it the favorite in the industries requiring strength.
Q: Is it possible to use welding on aluminum alloy 7050, and what process should be used for that?
A: Aluminum 7050 can be welded but only with a close monitoring of the welding parameters. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is often recommended in such cases so as to preserve the structure and characteristics of the alloy.
Q: Describe physical properties of aluminum 7050.
A: The physical properties of aluminum 7050 have the following features: density is about 2.81 g/cm3, melting point ranges 480-635°C, and modulus of elasticity around 73 GPa. These indicate that the alloy can be used even in high performance application.
Q: What is the designation of aluminum alloy 7050 in the aluminum series?
A: Aluminum alloy 7050 falls within the aluminum alloy 7000 series, which is primarily zinc based and is characterized by high strengths and the ability to be heat treated.
Q: What is the normal thickness of 7050 aluminum plates in the market?
A: 7050 aluminum plates come in different thicknesses, with not less than 1/8 inch up to several inches depending on the particular use of the plates.
Q: Why is 7050 aluminum alloy so important for the aerospace applications?
A: 7050 aluminum alloy is particularly well suited for the aerospace industry because of its high strength, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and toughness, which are essential for the safety and performance of aircraft designs.