7010 vs 7475 Aluminum Alloys: Performance Comparison and Selection Guide
Both 7010 and 7475 aluminum alloys are high-performance materials specifically designed for aerospace applications, but their selection should be based on specific performance requirements. If fatigue resistance and lightweight performance are critical, 7010 is the preferred choice. However, if the application involves high-temperature environments or requires exceptional strength, 7475 would be the best option.
- 7010 aluminum has slightly higher fatigue strength and greater elongation, making it more suitable for applications that require higher flexibility and fatigue resistance.
- 7475 aluminum has slightly higher maximum temperature resistance and thermal conductivity, making it more suitable for applications with higher thermal demands.
Both alloys have similar overall density, carbon content, and energy values. However, 7010 has better ultimate elasticity and strength-to-weight ratio in some configurations.
Both 7010 and 7475 aluminum alloys are primarily used in the aerospace industry as high-performance materials where strength, lightweight, and fatigue resistance are essential. Each alloy provides unique advantages based on the specific requirements of the application, particularly in terms of fatigue resistance, high-temperature performance, and mechanical properties.
These two alloys are mainly used in aerospace applications that require lightweight and high strength. The choice between them depends on specific performance requirements in fatigue strength, high-temperature resistance, and mechanical performance.
Key Performance Comparison between 7010 and 7475 Aluminum Alloys
- 7010 is more suitable for applications that require fatigue resistance and a balance of strength and weight.
- 7475 is more suitable for high-temperature, extreme strength requirements, and applications where thermal conductivity is important.
| Performance | 7010 Aluminum Alloy | 7475 Aluminum Alloy | Conclusion |
| Fatigue Strength | Offers excellent fatigue strength, suitable for applications with repetitive loads or cyclic stress, with slightly higher ductility, enhancing fatigue resistance under dynamic loads. | Good fatigue strength, but slightly lower than 7010, suitable for applications where fatigue demands are not extreme. | 7010 is better suited for applications requiring high fatigue strength, especially under repetitive loading or long-term high-stress conditions. |
| High-Temperature Performance | Maximum operating temperature is lower, with strength decreasing beyond 150°C. | Has better high-temperature stability, capable of withstanding higher temperatures (around 200°C or higher), with higher thermal conductivity. | 7475 is more suitable for high-temperature applications, such as engine components and wing spars exposed to high temperatures. |
| Mechanical Strength | Offers good strength-to-weight ratio, suitable for most structural applications, with slightly lower yield strength. | Has higher ultimate tensile strength, suitable for structural components that need to withstand extreme stress. | 7475 is better suited for applications requiring extreme loads or stresses, while 7010 is more suitable for applications balancing strength and weight. |
| Density and Weight | Slightly lower density, resulting in a lighter overall weight. | Slightly higher density, but the difference is negligible and does not significantly impact most applications. | 7010 has a slight advantage in weight-sensitive applications due to its lower density. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good corrosion resistance, particularly suitable for aerospace applications, but not as good as 7050 or 2024 aluminum alloys in extreme environments. | Also offers good corrosion resistance, but slightly inferior to 7050 and 2024 in extreme environments. | Both alloys offer a good balance of corrosion resistance, making them suitable for aerospace applications where strength and performance are prioritized. |
7010 and 7475 Aluminum Alloy Applications
- 7010 aluminum alloy is primarily used in aircraft structures that require high strength and fatigue resistance, such as fuselage, wing, and tail structures.
- 7475 aluminum alloy is primarily used in high-performance aerospace structures, such as wing beams, fuselage walls, and other components exposed to high temperatures.
7010 Aluminum Alloy Applications
- Aerospace: Suitable for fuselage, wing structures, and other components subjected to cyclic loads. Its fatigue resistance makes it ideal for structural components where durability under dynamic stress is critical.
- Automotive: Can be used for lightweight automotive parts that require high fatigue strength and a good strength-to-weight ratio.
7475 Aluminum Alloy Applications
- Aerospace: Best suited for high-performance applications, such as wing beams, aircraft structures exposed to high temperatures, and fuselage walls. Its higher temperature stability makes it suitable for components in areas such as engine mounts or landing gear.
- Defense: Used for military aerospace components that need to balance high strength, fatigue resistance, and performance in extreme conditions.
When to Choose 7010 vs 7475
Choose 7010 if your application requires the following conditions:
- Better fatigue resistance, especially under dynamic loading conditions.
- Higher elongation, which improves flexibility and durability under cyclic stress.
- Lightweight structural components with a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Choose 7475 if your application requires the following material properties:
- Components exposed to high temperatures with better heat resistance and thermal conductivity.
- Outstanding ultimate strength under extreme loads and stress.
- Better high-stress performance in environments where thermal stability and strength are crucial.
7010 vs 7475 Aluminum Alloy Composition
- 7010 aluminum alloy main alloying elements: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si).
- 7475 aluminum alloy main alloying elements: Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Zirconium (Zr).
| Element | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Aluminum (Al), % | 87.9 to 90.6 | 88.6 to 91.6 |
| Chromium (Cr), % | 0 to 0.050 | 0.18 to 0.25 |
| Copper (Cu), % | 1.5 to 2.0 | 1.2 to 1.9 |
| Iron (Fe), % | 0 to 0.15 | 0 to 0.12 |
| Magnesium (Mg), % | 2.1 to 2.6 | 1.9 to 2.6 |
| Manganese (Mn), % | 0 to 0.1 | 0 to 0.060 |
| Nickel (Ni), % | 0 to 0.050 | 0 |
| Silicon (Si), % | 0 to 0.12 | 0 to 0.1 |
| Titanium (Ti), % | 0 to 0.060 | 0 to 0.060 |
| Zinc (Zn), % | 5.7 to 6.7 | 5.1 to 6.2 |
| Zirconium (Zr), % | 0.1 to 0.16 | 0 |
| Residuals, % | 0 | 0 to 0.15 |
7010 vs 7475 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
| Property | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Elastic (Young's, Tensile) Modulus (x 10⁶ psi) | 10 | 10 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 3.9 to 6.8 | 10 to 12 |
| Fatigue Strength (x 10³ psi) | 23 to 28 | 28 to 31 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| Shear Modulus (x 10⁶ psi) | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Shear Strength (x 10³ psi) | 44 to 50 | 46 to 51 |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS) (x 10³ psi) | 75 to 86 | 76 to 85 |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (Proof) (x 10³ psi) | 60 to 79 | 64 to 75 |
7010 vs 7475 Aluminum Thermal Properties
| Property | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) | 380 | 380 |
| Maximum Temperature: Mechanical (°F) | 380 | 350 |
| Melting Completion (Liquidus) (°F) | 1170 | 1180 |
| Melting Onset (Solidus) (°F) | 890 | 890 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (BTU/lb-°F) | 0.21 | 0.21 |
| Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h-ft-°F) | 88 | 80 to 94 |
| Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) | 24 | 23 |
7010 vs 7475 Aluminum Electrical Properties
| Property | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume (% IACS) | 40 | 33 to 42 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (% IACS) | 120 | 98 to 120 |
Otherwise Unclassified Properties
| Property | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Base Metal Price (% relative) | 10 | 10 |
| Density (lb/ft³) | 190 | 190 |
| Embodied Carbon (kg CO₂/kg material) | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Embodied Energy (x 10³ BTU/lb) | 64 | 63 |
| Embodied Water (gal/lb) | 130 | 130 |
Common Calculations
| Property | 7010 Aluminum | 7475 Aluminum |
| Resilience: Ultimate (Unit Rupture Work, MJ/m³) | 22 to 33 | 53 to 68 |
| Resilience: Unit (Modulus of Resilience, kJ/m³) | 1230 to 2130 | 1390 to 1920 |
| Stiffness to Weight: Axial (points) | 13 | 13 |
| Stiffness to Weight: Bending (points) | 45 | 46 |
| Strength to Weight: Axial (points) | 47 to 54 | 49 to 55 |
| Strength to Weight: Bending (points) | 47 to 52 | 48 to 52 |
| Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s) | 58 | 53 to 63 |
| Thermal Shock Resistance (points) | 22 to 26 | 23 to 26 |
