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2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum

Both 2124 and 7075 alloys are widely used in aerospace and structural applications. 2124 is favored for its fatigue resistance and thermal conductivity, while 7075 is the ideal choice for high-strength requirements.

Property Comparison: 2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum

Property 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) (×10³ psi) 71 35 to 85
Yield Strength (Proof Strength) (×10³ psi) 62 18 to 74
Fatigue Strength (×10³ psi) 19 16 to 28
Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h-ft-°F) 88 75
Electrical Conductivity (Equal Volume, % IACS) 38 33
Electrical Conductivity (Specific Weight, % IACS) 110 98

When choosing between 2124 and 7075, consider the specific requirements of the application, including strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and the environment in which the material will be used.

  • Strength: 7075 aluminum offers a broader range of tensile and yield strength, making it more suitable for high-strength applications. Both alloys are strong, but 7075 is generally stronger than 2124.
  • Fatigue Resistance: 2124 aluminum slightly outperforms 7075 in fatigue strength.
  • Thermal Conductivity: 2124 aluminum has better heat dissipation properties due to its higher thermal conductivity.
  • Electrical Conductivity: 2124 aluminum provides better electrical conductivity, both by volume and weight, compared to 7075.
  • Corrosion Resistance: 7075 has better corrosion resistance than 2124.
  • Applications: Both alloys are used in aerospace, but 2124 is typically better for fatigue resistance, while 7075 is used where maximum strength is required.

2124 Aluminum

  • Alloying Elements: Primarily copper (approximately 4.4-5.0%), with small amounts of manganese, silicon, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
  • Strength: 2124 is known for its high strength and excellent fatigue resistance, making it ideal for aerospace applications.
  • Heat Treatment: It can be heat-treated to enhance its mechanical properties.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Typically lower corrosion resistance compared to other aluminum alloys, especially if proper coating or treatment is not applied.
  • Applications: Commonly used in aerospace structures, aircraft parts, and military applications where high strength is critical.

7075 Aluminum

  • Alloying Elements: Primarily zinc (approximately 5.1-6.1%), with magnesium, copper, and small amounts of other elements.
  • Strength: 7075 is one of the highest strength aluminum alloys and is often used in applications requiring a high strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Heat Treatment: It can also be heat-treated, typically to T6 temper, which provides excellent mechanical properties.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Better corrosion resistance than 2124, but still not as high as some other aluminum alloys, particularly in the T6 temper.
  • Applications: Widely used in aerospace, military, automotive, and sports equipment, such as bicycle frames and aircraft components.

2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum Mechanical Properties

Property 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Elastic Modulus (×10⁶ psi) 10 10
Elongation at Break (%) 5.7 1.8 to 12
Fatigue Strength (×10³ psi) 19 16 to 28
Poisson's Ratio 0.33 0.32
Shear Modulus (×10⁶ psi) 3.9 3.8
Shear Strength (×10³ psi) 41 22 to 49
Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS) (×10³ psi) 71 35 to 85
Tensile Strength: Yield (×10³ psi) 62 18 to 74

2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum Thermal Properties

Property 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) 390 380
Maximum Temperature: Mechanical (°F) 380 400
Melting Range (Solidus-Liquidus, °F) 930 - 1180 890 - 1180
Specific Heat Capacity (BTU/lb-°F) 0.21 0.21
Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h-ft-°F) 88 75
Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) 23 23

2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum Electrical Properties

Property 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Electrical Conductivity (Equal Volume, % IACS) 38 33
Electrical Conductivity (Specific Weight, % IACS) 110 98

2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum Other Properties

Property 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Density (lb/ft³) 190 190
Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s) 58 50
Thermal Shock Resistance (points) 21 10 to 25
Embodied Energy (×10³ BTU/lb) 64 64
Embodied Water (gal/lb) 140 130

2124 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum Alloy Composition (% by Weight)

Element 2124 Aluminum 7075 Aluminum
Aluminum (Al) 91.3 to 94.7 86.9 to 91.4
Chromium (Cr) 0 to 0.1 0.18 to 0.28
Copper (Cu) 3.8 to 4.9 1.2 to 2.0
Magnesium (Mg) 1.2 to 1.8 2.1 to 2.9
Manganese (Mn) 0.3 to 0.9 0 to 0.3
Zinc (Zn) 0 to 0.25 5.1 to 6.1