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2011-T3 Aluminum vs. 2011-T651 Aluminum

2011 T3 T651, due to the differences in aging treatment and hardening processes, the T3 alloy has higher ductility and electrical conductivity, while the T651 alloy has higher strength, making it suitable for more demanding structural applications.

  • 2011-T3 aluminum alloy is suitable for applications requiring higher elongation at fracture and electrical conductivity, such as in the electrical and electronics industries.
  • 2011-T651 aluminum alloy is suitable for applications requiring higher strength and stress relieving, such as high-strength structural components in aerospace and automotive industries.

2011-T3 Aluminum and 2011-T651 Aluminum Processing

  • 2011 T3 aluminum is an alloy that undergoes solution heat treatment, followed by strain hardening and natural aging.
  • 2011-T651 aluminum is an alloy that undergoes solution heat treatment, followed by stress relieving and artificial aging.
Alloy Condition Solution Heat Treatment Strain Hardening / Stress Relieving Aging Method
2011-T3 Heating to homogenize the alloy composition Cold working tension or compression, increasing strength Natural aging
2011-T651 Heating to homogenize the alloy composition Heating treatment to reduce residual stress Artificial aging

2011-T3 Aluminum and 2011-T651 Aluminum Properties

Alloy Condition Strength Elongation at Fracture Electrical Conductivity
2011-T3 Lower Higher Higher
2011-T651 Higher Lower Lower

2011-T3 Aluminum Properties

  • Lower strength: Compared to the T651 condition, 2011-T3 aluminum has lower strength, but it is still suitable for some structural applications.
  • Higher elongation at fracture: Due to the natural aging process, 2011-T3 aluminum alloy has better ductility during stretching, allowing it to undergo larger deformations without easily fracturing.
  • Higher electrical conductivity: 2011-T3 aluminum has higher electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications requiring good conductivity, such as in electronic devices.

2011 T651 Properties

  • High strength: Due to the artificial aging process, 2011-T651 aluminum alloy has higher strength compared to the T3 condition, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength.
  • Lower elongation at fracture: Compared to the T3 alloy, T651 alloy has poorer ductility, but it offers better strength and tensile properties.
  • Relatively low electrical conductivity: The artificial aging process results in lower electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications where high electrical conductivity is not required.

2011-T3 Aluminum vs. 2011-T651 Aluminum Mechanical Properties

Property 2011-T3 Aluminum 2011-T651 Aluminum
Elastic (Young's, Tensile) Modulus, GPa 71 71
Elongation at Break, % 12 10
Fatigue Strength, MPa 120 120
Poisson's Ratio 0.33 0.33
Shear Modulus, GPa 27 27
Shear Strength, MPa 220 250
Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS), MPa 360 420
Tensile Strength: Yield (Proof), MPa 280 310

2011-T3 Aluminum vs. 2011-T651 Aluminum Thermal Properties

Property 2011-T3 Aluminum 2011-T651 Aluminum
Latent Heat of Fusion, J/g 390 390
Maximum Temperature: Mechanical, °C 190 190
Melting Completion (Liquidus), °C 640 640
Melting Onset (Solidus), °C 540 540
Specific Heat Capacity, J/kg-K 870 870
Thermal Conductivity, W/m-K 150 140
Thermal Expansion, µm/m-K 23 23

2011-T3 Aluminum vs. 2011-T651 Aluminum Electrical Properties

Property 2011-T3 Aluminum 2011-T651 Aluminum
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume, % IACS 39 35
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (Specific), % IACS 110 100

2011-T3 Aluminum and 2011-T651 Aluminum Applications

2011-T3 Aluminum Applications

Electrical and Electronics: Due to its higher electrical conductivity, it is suitable for components in electrical and electronic devices that require conductive properties.

Structural Components: Suitable for applications requiring high elongation at fracture, such as high-strength yet flexible structural parts in aircraft, automobiles, and similar fields.

2011-T651 Aluminum Applications

Aerospace and Automotive Industry: Due to its high strength, T651 aluminum alloy is commonly used in the manufacture of load-bearing structural components for aircraft, car bodies, and other parts that need to withstand significant loads.

Mechanical Parts: Used in mechanical components requiring higher mechanical performance, such as gears, shafts, and similar parts.