Metals Flashcards
Define specific gravity
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference substance
Define light metals
Metals who have specific gravities less than 5
Which 4 light metals are used in production
Magnesium
Titanium
Aluminium
Beryllium (limited use as toxic to 1/5 of population)
What structures do the 4 light metals have
Aluminium - FCC
Mg, Ti, Be - HCP
Ti at 822deg - BCC
What are the 6 main additives to make Al alloys
Cu Mn Si Mg Zn Li
Al alloy groups
1XXX - 99% Al 2XXX - Cu 3XXX - Mn 4XXX - Si 5XXX - Mg 6XXX - Mg & Si 7XXX - Zn
List disadvantages of alloying Al
- Deformability is impaired
- Corrosion resistance is best for pure Al
- Surface finish is best for pure Al
- Density increased
- Conductivity is best for pure Al
List advantages of alloying Al
- Increase strength (work/age hardening)
2. Improved castability (add Si)
What are the two families of alloys
- heat treatable (2xxx,6xxx,7xxx)
- non-heat treatable (1xxx,3xxx,5xxx)
Describe general production route for alloys
- Casting
- Pre-working treatments
- Hot working
- Cold working
- Post processing
- Finishing
Why is homogenisation important in alloying
pre hot working step, can last 24hrs at elevated temperature to reduce micro/macro segregation in the material
Describe effects of the quenching process
- can lead to residual stresses causing distortion (reduce risk by quenching in hot water)
- slower quenching leads to a reduction in achievable strength. (due to allowing time for microstructural change)
Alloy conditions.
F = as fabricated H = cold worked O = annealed T = fully heat treated W = solution heat treated
Definition of annealed
Material that is cooled slowly, allowing for micro structural change and increasing toughness. This reduces high strength potential however.
At what temperature is homogenisation and solution treatment held at
Heated to below the eutectic point
Why is quenching process important
- Used to prevent precipitates forming and to keep the microstructure that was achieved at treatment temperature.
- if it is allowed to slow cool (i.e. quenching does not take place) then small precipitates will form in between the grain boundaries - this decreases mechanical properties and the material would be more brittle
Why is natural ageing important
- Very small precipitates are formed in the grains