The yield strength is defined as the maximum stress that a metal can withstand before it undergoes permanent or plastic deformation. To put it another way, yield strength is the highest load that can be applied to a material within its capacity. When the load is exceeded, the material will undergo permanent changes in both its shape and its size.
The yield strength of an aluminum alloy refers to the maximum stress that can be carefully applied to that alloy without causing permanent deformation or change. In the case of an aluminum alloy, stress is defined as the load that is given to a unit area of the material.
Furthermore, the aluminum yield strength of each alloy is represented by a unique numerical number with respect to the alloy.
What is the Yield Strength of Aluminum Alloys?
The point at which a material starts to turn or deform as a result of stress is stated to be the material’s yield point. When it comes to aluminum, knowing the yield strength allows one to determine the amount of stress that a material is able to endure before it begins to deform. After losing its shape, the material cannot return to its original shape, which might cause structural failure.
There are a few different methods that may be utilized to determine the yield strength of aluminum alloys. This is primarily determined by two factors: the alloys and the treatment chosen for the material.
The following table shows the yield strength of some common aluminum alloys.
Yield Strength of Different Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloy | Temper Designation | Yield strength (MPa) |
1100 | H12 | 76 |
2014 | T6 | 400 |
2017 | T4 | 221 |
2024 | T3 | 290 |
2024 | T4 | 276 |
2025 | T6 | 228 |
2124 | T851 | 393 |
2618 | T61 | 290 |
3003 | H18 | 172 |
354 | T61 | 248 |
355 | T51 | 152 |
355 | T6 | 159 |
356 | T7 | 145 |
5052 | H32 | 159 |
5056 | H38 | 345 |
6061 | T4 | 110 |
6062 | T6 | 241 |
6063 | T5 | 110 |
6063 | T6 | 172 |
7050 | T74 | 414 |
7075 | T6 | 483 |
Factors Affecting Yield Strength in Aluminum
Below, we will go over a few typical factors that influence the yield strength of aluminum.
Elements of Alloys
Aluminum’s yield strength would be greatly affected by some alloys. A few of these alloys are magnesium, zinc, and copper, among others. In fact, aluminum alloy 2124 has a superior yield strength than 6063. This is because 2124 aluminum contains copper.
Temper Designation
The temper designation of an alloy indicates the specific treatment it has received. An excellent illustration is T6, an alloy that has undergone artificial age and solution heat treatment, increasing its yield strength relative to its untreated competitors.
Temperature Factor
Due to the fact that temperature has an effect on yield strength, this is still another crucial element. The yield strength of aluminum would decrease if the temperature of the material was raised, and vice versa.
Heat Treatment
Some heat treatment procedures that can greatly increase yield strength are quenching, ageing, and solution heat treatment. This process alters the alloy’s microstructure, resulting in the formation of precipitates that enhance strength.
Grain Structure
The yield strength of an alloy is primarily influenced by the size and transfer of its grains. Preventing dislocations allows for finer grains, which enhance strength via grain boundary strengthening.
Cold Working
Techniques of mechanical deformation, such as rolling and extruding, can be used to increase yield strength. This happens when the material’s internal dislocations build up, making it harder for the material to bend further.
Importance of Yield Strength in Aluminum
The significance of yield strength in aluminum may be emphasized by a few points.
Structural Integrity
The yield strength of the material that was used in the construction of the structure is a highly essential component that plays a role in limiting the chance of the building collapsing under stress. The failure of structures in many different sectors, such as aircraft, construction, or automotive, can result in tragic and disastrous results.
Manufacturing and Design Flexibility
Understanding the yield strength of aluminum alloys can significantly assist in selecting the suitable material for a specific application. This is going to help manufacturers in enhancing the production process.
Material Selection
Selecting a material also requires knowledge about yield strength. When it comes to buildings that demand significant loads or stress, employing materials that have a high yield strength is strongly recommended. Lightweight materials are produced using materials that have a lower yield strength.
Durability
Aluminum alloys are more durable because of their high yield strength, which allows them to withstand significant stresses. This has resulted in longer-lasting aluminum alloy products.
Aluminum Alloy Yield Strength Applications
Aluminum and its alloys are used in many applications due to its outstanding properties. Some common applications are given below.
Aerospace and Automotive Industries
High-strength aluminum alloys are utilized by the aerospace industry in the construction of aircraft frames and other components. This not only assures the aircraft’s longevity but also helps to reduce its overall weight. Aluminum is utilized in the automobile sector with the purpose of enhancing fuel efficiency while also meeting the requirements for safety.
Construction Application
It is very important to know the yield strength of aluminum before it is used to build houses, bridges, and other types of structures. When architects know the material’s yield strength, they can make plans for buildings that are strong enough.
Consumer Products
Low-strength aluminum alloys are used in the construction of some consumer goods, such as the frames of bicycles, golf clubs, and other sports equipment. These materials are used in the construction of certain consumer items. When it is necessary to have a high strength-to-weight ratio, certain sets of alloys are specially applied to the materials.
Electrical and Electronics
Aluminum’s electrical conductivity makes it significant in electronics and electrical engineering. Power transmission lines, conductors, heat sinks, and enclosures are made of high-yield aluminum alloys.
Packaging
The low-strength aluminum alloys are used to make foils, which are further used for food packing. These aluminum alloys are utilized for the packaging of food and beverages. They preserve food quality by blocking air, light, and moisture.
Marine Application
Before utilizing aluminum alloys in the marine sector, it is crucial to understand their yield strength. For instance, the maritime sector receives benefits from the usage of 6061-T6 due to its excellent resistance to corrosion in situations that contain seawater.
Typically, this alloy is utilized in the construction of boat shells, frames, and other components that are subjected to extreme circumstances in order to guarantee their endurance and lasting toughness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aluminum and its alloys play a vital role in many industries due to their corrosion resistance, lightweight, electrical conductivity and high yield strength.
Different aluminum alloys have different yield strengths due to their alloying elements. It is very crucial to know the yield strength of the alloy that will be used for your product.
Seather Technology is a top leader aluminum fabrication manufacturer with rich years experience. It guarantees the exact yield strength required for specified aluminum alloys projects. If you want to know more about aluminum yield strength feel free to contact us. Our experienced team is always available for your guidance.
