Yield and tensile strength are the mechanical properties of an element or material. A rigid or hard material must have strength that binds them together. The strength of the material that stops it from deforming or losing its original shape is called yield strength. On the other hand, the ability of the material to resist breaking is called tensile strength.
The aluminum alloys are strong in nature, and their rigidity makes them useful for various projects. The properties of zinc, magnesium, and silicon make the stronger bond with aluminum, giving strength to the material. This guide will give you a comprehensive comparison between the yield and tensile strengths of different aluminum alloys. So, let’s get started!
Understanding Yield Strength
Yield strength is one of the most important mechanical properties of the element or material. It is calculated by the force or stress a material withstands before deforming. The yield strength of an element needs to be on the higher side if you need to use it for different applications.
The force is applied to the material until it starts losing its shape. At that point, the material will be at its yield point. The yield strength of the material is vital in areas where durability and toughness are needed, e.g., the materials used in aerospace.
The yield strength of elements and their alloys is different from others. It usually differs in the same family or series as well. So, different elements might behave differently while being in the same environment. However, certain factors can change the behaviors of the material under certain conditions. We might need to go into it.
Different factors affect the yield strength of aluminum alloys. A few of them are listed below.
Composition of the alloys
The aluminum alloys having copper, silicon, and magnesium alter the aluminum structure and affect the aluminum alloys’ overall yield strength. The alloys that belong to the 7xxx series offer greater yield strength than the other. So, composition plays a vital role in determining the yield strength of the material.
Heat and High Temperatures
The shape of the alloy starts deteriorating under heat and extreme temperatures. Hence, it affects the yield strength of the aluminum alloys. However, heat treatment is beneficial sometimes as it allows manufacturers to alter the properties of an alloy for diverse applications.
Environmental Changes
The moisture, air, and other pollutants also affect the yield strength of the material. Other factors, like the area where the alloys are kept, must be clean and airtight. Together, dust and moisture impact the yield strength of the alloys.
Understanding Tensile Strength
The material’s tensile strength is its capacity to bear load or force before it breaks. Tensile strength is needed in areas when permanent load is managed through alloys. It calculates the toughness and hardness of the material as well.
Tensile strength varies from material to material. Aluminum alloys have good tensile strengths and are hence used in different areas. When a rigid material breaks, that means the applied force has surpassed its tensile breakage point. There is a different range of aluminum alloys’ tensile strengths. The strength might increase or decrease depending on the environment we provide.
Here are a few factors that affect the tensile strength of aluminum alloys.
Elements Added
Aluminum alloys made of zinc, copper, and silicon are stronger than others as they form denser structures, which helps them resist deformation and breaking. They offer great resistance against the environment and protect the inner alloys or metals.
Cold Hardening
Aluminum alloys, such as the 5xxx series, are deformed below their recrystallization point to increase their tensile strengths. This method is used for the 5xxx series, as other methods don’t work on these alloys. Heat treatment would not be appropriate for this series.
High Temperatures
Elevated temperatures can reduce the material’s tensile strength due to atomic movements in the materials. A special coating is required for applications with higher temperatures to protect the aluminum alloys from changing their shapes.
Comparing Yield Strength and Tensile Strength of Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum is a rigid and lightweight material that allows the building of structures. It is also used when it forms an alloy and provides extra strength and durability to the structure. Here are the strength properties of aluminum alloys.
- Yield Strength:The aluminum alloys are hard and strong, providing excellent yield strength. The yield strength varies from one alloy to the other. Aluminum is-zinc alloys are the strongest and have the highest yield strength in the aluminum alloy series.
- Tensile Strength:Aluminum alloys are used due to their tensile strength and ability to bear in any environment. Hard aluminum alloys like 7075 are used in aerospace and aircraft as they tend to survive.
Aluminum alloys offer solutions for different high-tech projects. There are seven series of aluminum alloys, each serving different perks.
The aluminum yield strength is lower than tensile strength, which is obvious as a ma0terial first deforms and then breaks. However, both of these strengths are vital as we don’t need all the rigid materials all the time. We need flexibility in the materials so that their uses are maximized.
The following are the tensile and yield strengths (room temperature test results) of the most common aluminum alloys in each series.
| Aluminum Alloy | Temper | Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Yield Strength (Mpa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 | O | ≥75-105 | ≥20 |
| 2024 | T3 | ≥395 | ≥290 |
| 3003 | H112 | ≥95 | ≥35 |
| 5052 | H112 | ≥170 | ≥70 |
| 5083 | H112 | ≥270 | ≥125 |
| 6005 | T6 | ≥250 | ≥200 |
| 6060 | T6 | ≥170 | ≥140 |
| 6063 | T6 | ≥195 | ≥160 |
| 6061 | T6 | ≥260 | ≥240 |
| 6082 | T6 | ≥290 | ≥250 |
| 7075 | T6 | ≥530 | ≥460 |
When to Prioritize Yield Strength
Aluminum alloys with higher Yield strengths are used in machinery, the automobile industry, and home appliances where the load is applied in cycles. The material must possess the ability to manage load without deforming.
The 2xxx, 6xxx, and 7xxx series have materials with higher yield strengths. Other alloys are softer than these, which might not be used in high-load situations, but they have other perks.
- 2xxx Series:The copper series has yield strengths up to 300MPa. 2024 and 2011 are the most used aluminum alloys in aerospace and machinery.
- 6xxx Series: This series has magnesium and silicon in them. These alloys have yield strengths of up to 240 MPa. 6061 is known for its resistance strength, and 6082 is used for structural applications.
- 7xxx Series: They are the strongest aluminum alloys with zinc in them. They have yield strengths up to 500 MPa. They are used in aerospace structures and military applications. The helmets are also made with these alloys.
When to Prioritize Tensile Strength
When selecting the material, tensile strength is one of the important factors to consider. All the applications when high load and great stretching are experienced. Here are a few applications for selecting materials based on their tensile strengths.
- Applications with High Tension Loads: The bridges, complex structures, and machinery use alloys with great tensile strengths. Zinc alloys are mostly used in these applications as they are subjected to absorb high load and stress. Alloy 7075 has tensile strengths of over 500 MPa, higher than other materials.
- Lightweight Structures: Aluminum alloys with high tensile strengths are used to be lightweight in the machinery and components used in aerospace and robotics without losing the structural integrity of the structures. The 7xxx series has alloys that help you generate good components for high-tech machines and systems.
- Application Requiring Resistance Against Impact and Shock: Aluminum alloys are required in structures and machines when there are chances of sudden impacts or shocks. They are used to show resistance against environmental changes. They offer resilience against the forces like military attacks and operations.
- Corrosive Environments: The marine environment needs materials that have greater tensile strength. The 5083, 6082 and 6061 are the alloys used in harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Aluminum, being a better option for structures and machinery, shows greater strength against multiple factors like moisture, dampness, and air. The alloys are just made to enhance their efficiency for the greater good. However, all the alloys are not the same; they have different properties, strengths, and applications based on which they are used for different projects.
FONNOV Aluminium is a professional aluminum extrusion manufacturer, and we have our own test laboratory. We provide tensile strength test and yield strength test for our extruded aluminum products. You will know clearly on the excellent mechanical properties for your aluminum extrusion order. CONTACT US NOW.
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