Feasibility Study for Development of an Aluminum Alloy for Fabrication of Small Arms Cartridge Cases
Abstract
Five experimental, low impurity content aluminum alloys were evaluated for characteristics such as tensile properties, fracture toughness, resistance to corrosion and stress corrosion, temperature stability and quench sensitivity. Although none of the alloys achieved the target strength-toughness criteria, two compositions were superior to conventional alloys in this respect. These were nominally Al-5 Zn-2.4 Mg-1.2 Cu-.15 Cr (MA07) and Al-5.9 Zn-2.4 Cu-2. 2 Mg-.3 Mn (MA08). One strain-hardenable alloy, Al-7.5 Mg-.1 Mn-.1 Cr (MA09) was included in the evaluation and displayed good notch toughness and moderate resistance to crack growth but at a relatively low strength level compared to the heat-treatable alloys. Electron metallography and fractography showed fracture toughness to depend upon the relative proportions of fracture path that were intergranular or transgranular and, hence, upon relative strengths of grain interiors and boundaries. The effect of second-phase constituent particles upon fracture toughness was not discernible at the low insoluble element level of these alloys.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 24, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0867106
Entities
People
- Ralph W. Rogers Jr.
Organizations
- Alcoa