Aluminum alloys are used extensively by engineers for a variety of applications. The attributes of these materials such as conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance all determine how they are used. Here, we are covering 2024 aluminum which is derived from the 2xxx series of aluminum alloys or those which have copper as the primary alloying element. At Howard Precision, we are your source for a wide range of outstanding aluminum alloy products, including those in the 2024 grade, such as 2024 T351 aluminum plates.
2024 Aluminum Physical Properties
In 2024 aluminum alloy, the alloying elements used significantly increases its strength. This is due to the fact that copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) are added with a combined elemental percentage of 6.5% – Cu-4.4%, Mg-1.5%, and Mn-0.6%. However, the increase in strength provided by the high percentage of copper does reduce its corrosion resistance.
Aluminum 2024 has decent workability and is easily machined, which allows it to be extruded, cold finished, and cut as required.
Corrosion Resistance
As mentioned above, basic 2024 aluminum alloy is susceptible to corrosion to a greater degree than most other aluminum alloys. This problem can be taking care of on sheet products by cladding a more corrosion resistant Aluminum to the 2024 sheet. The final product created has the strength of 2024, the corrosion resistance of the other alloy and still remains light weight. The cladding will likely be a high purity aluminum alloy like 1100 or 3003.
Heat-Treating 2024 for Enhanced Strength
Heat treatment is typically employed on 2024 aluminum alloy as it can with other aluminum alloys such as in the 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series. In this process, the alloy is heated to a set temperature that enables the alloying elements to homogenize or mix into the base metal. The metal is then subjected to solution heat treating in which the metal is quenched in a solution that locks the elements in place. Copper atoms and other elements precipitate out of the solution as the piece cools. This process increases the strength of the alloy through a process called aging in which the compounds interact with the microstructure of the aluminum. Depending on how the processes of aging and solution heat treating are carried out, 2024 aluminum may be given particular temper designations such as 2024-T3, 2024-T351, and 2024-T4.
2024 Mechanical Properties
Aluminum alloys, including 2024 aluminum plates, may be specified based on particular mechanical properties they possess. Some of the important properties in 2024 include yield strength, ultimate strength, fatigue strength, shear strength, shear modulus, and modulus of elasticity. The values of these properties determine such features as strength, workability and possible uses of the material.
Yield strength is the maximum stress the material can undergo without the material permanently deforming. Ultimate strength is the maximum stress some material can undergo before the material fractures. The yield and ultimate strengths of 2024 aluminum are quite high at 47,000 psi and 68,000 psi respectively, which makes the alloy highly useful for certain high-strength structural applications.
Aluminum 2024 has a moderately strong shear strength value of 41,000 psi. With this level of shear strength, you can find 2024 used in shear pins where Aluminum is needed over steel. In aerospace applications, fatigue strength is a valuable measure for 2024 aluminum alloy and others. Aircraft components undergo repeated stresses involving landing and takeoff activities. These stresses do not initially cause deformation. However, when they are repeated over a period of time, they may microscopically weaken the alloy, which can lead to a macroscopic weakening. Fatigue strength measures a material’s resistance to breaking under the action of recurring stresses. Aluminum alloy 2024, including in the form of 2024 aluminum plates, has a fatigue strength of 20,000 psi when calculated with 500 million cycles of loading that occur below the yield point.
The shear modulus and modulus of elasticity are properties of a material that indicate how resilient they are to permanent deformation. Aluminum alloy 2024 has a shear modulus of 4,060 ksi and a modulus of elasticity of 10,600 ksi, which are greater than the same properties in 7075 aluminum.
Uses for 2024 Aluminum
Type 2024 aluminum alloy has high-strength, good workability, excellent machinability and the ability to accept cladding to make it corrosion resistant. All these properties put together make it an excellent choice for applications involving aircraft and vehicles. Many industries utilize aluminum 2024 alloy. Some of the common applications for this alloy include cylinders, truck wheels, pistons, gears, hydraulic manifold blocks, and impact machinery.
Aluminum 2024 is often utilized in structural applications involving aircraft as a result of this high strength and resistance to fatigue. Although 7075 aluminum alloy is ideal for applications that include high stress and strain resistance, aluminum 2024 has strong cyclic fatigue resistance. It is also a stronger aluminum alloy than 6061 but not as versatile.
Our team at Howard Precision Metals is here to help you with any projects for applications you may have involving aluminum extrusion requirements and aluminum alloys, including 2024 aluminum plates. For more information about our aluminum products and services, call us today 800.444.0311, or request a quote on our website. We are happy to provide you with comparative specification sheets on each alloy you are considering for your end application.