2024
2024 Aluminium: High-Strength Alloy for Aerospace and Structural Components
2024 aluminium is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy that belongs to the 2xxx series of aluminium alloys, which are primarily alloyed with copper. Known for its superior strength and exceptional fatigue resistance, 2024 aluminium is widely used in aerospace, military, and high-performance structural applications. The alloy is specifically engineered to deliver outstanding mechanical properties, making it suitable for demanding environments, particularly in industries where strength, durability, and reliability are critical.
What is 2024 Aluminium Alloy?
2024 is a wrought, heat-treatable aluminium alloy in the 2xxx series (aluminium-copper-magnesium family) whose principal alloying element is copper. It is known for high strength, good fatigue resistance, and has been widely used in aerospace and other structural applications.
- • High strength for a wrought aluminium alloy, making it suitable for structural applications.
- • Good fatigue resistance in many forms (especially sheet/plate) which is important in aerospace.
- • Good machinability and surface finish potential.
- • Formability in the highest strength tempers is reduced (less ductility).
- • Corrosion resistance is relatively poor compared to many 5xxx or 6xxx series alloys — especially in untreated form. Cladding (Alclad) or surface protection is often used.
Characteristics for grade 2024 ( 2024 )
| Grade : | 2024 ( 2024 ) ( 1360 2024 ) |
| Classification : | Aluminium wrought alloys |
| Equivalent grades: | Go here |
Key Properties of 2024 Aluminium
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 427 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength | 380 MPa (min) |
| Elongation | 14-20% |
| Density | 2.78 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | 130 HB |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130-190 W/m-K |
| Melting Point | 505-635°C (935-1175°F) |
Benefits of Using 2024 Aluminium
Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio: 2024 aluminium offers outstanding strength with a lightweight profile, making it ideal for aerospace and military applications where both are critical.
Fatigue Resistance: The alloy performs exceptionally well under repeated stress, which is vital for aircraft and aviation applications.
Excellent Machinability: It has excellent machining properties, making it easier to work with, even for complex aerospace components.
Corrosion Resistance: 2024 aluminium is resistant to corrosion, but when used in harsh environments, it can be clad with pure aluminium to enhance durability.
Chemical Composition of 2024 Aluminium
| Element | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.8%-4.9% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5%-0.8% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1.2%-1.8% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3%-0.9% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.5% max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25% max |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15% max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.1% max |
Tempers Available for 2024 Aluminium
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 | Solution heat-treated, cold-worked, and naturally aged |
| T4 | Solution heat-treated, cold-worked, and aged |
| T6 | Solution heat-treated and artificially aged for improved strength |
| T351 | Stress-relieved by stretching, then artificially aged |
Key Physical & Mechanical Properties of 2014 Aluminium
Representative values (may vary with temper, thickness, and form)
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ~2.78 g/cm³ (≈0.100 lb/in³) | aerospacemetals.com |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~73 GPa (~10.6 M psi) | alloysintl.com |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | ~23.2 µm/m · °C | alloysintl.com |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (T3) | ~483 MPa (≈70 000 psi) | gabrian.com |
| Tensile Strength (T351) | ~469 MPa (≈68 000 psi) | aerospacemetals.com |
| Tensile Strength (T851) | ≥455 MPa (≈66 000 psi) | asm.matweb.com |
| Yield Strength (T851) | ≥400 MPa (≈58 000 psi) | asm.matweb.com |
| Elongation at Break | ~5 % (in high-strength tempers) | — |
Common Applications of 2024 Aluminium
Aircraft Structures: Fuselages, wings, and control surfaces.
Transportation: High-strength components for military vehicles, cars, and trains.
Fasteners and Rivets: Used extensively in the aerospace industry.
Machinery Parts: Structural components for machines and heavy equipment.
Applications of 2024 Aluminium
Due to its high strength and fatigue resistance, 2024 aluminium is used in a variety of high-performance applications, including:
Aerospace: Aircraft structures, wings, fuselages, and control surfaces.
Military: Aircraft, missiles, and weaponry.
Automotive: High-performance vehicle parts.
Structural Components: Bridges, fasteners, and machinery components.
How to Protect 2024 Aluminium Against Corrosion
Although 2024 aluminium provides moderate corrosion resistance, it can be further protected through:
Cladding with Pure Aluminium: Protects against environmental exposure, improving corrosion resistance.
Surface Coatings: Applying paint or anodizing can further enhance its corrosion resistance, especially for applications in marine and aerospace environments.
Why Choose 2024 Aluminium from Russian Metals?
Russian Metals is a trusted supplier of 2024 aluminium, providing materials that meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Here's why you should choose us:
Certified Quality: All our 2024 aluminium products meet international standards for aerospace, defence, and precision engineering.
Expert Guidance: We offer in-depth assistance in selecting the right material for your project, ensuring optimum performance and safety.
Reliable Supply: We guarantee fast and reliable delivery across India, ensuring your project timelines are met.
Choose 2024 Aluminium for Aerospace and High-Performance Applications
2024 aluminium continues to be one of the most popular alloys for aerospace, military, and structural applications due to its strength, fatigue resistance, and machinability. For high-quality 2024 aluminium that meets the most stringent requirements, choose Russian Metals as your trusted supplier.