What is duraluminum?

Duralumin, also called duraluminum, duralumin(i)um, or dural, is an early type of age-hardenable <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/aluminium%20alloy">aluminium alloy</a>.

• Composition: Typically contains about 90-95% aluminium, 4% <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/copper">copper</a>, 1% <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/magnesium">magnesium</a>, and small amounts of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/manganese">manganese</a> and sometimes <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/silicon">silicon</a>. The exact composition can vary depending on the specific grade.

• Properties: Duralumin is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is significantly stronger than pure aluminium but retains its lightweight nature. However, it is susceptible to <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/corrosion">corrosion</a>, particularly intergranular corrosion, and requires protective coatings.

• Heat Treatment: Duralumin's strength is achieved through a process called <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/age%20hardening">age hardening</a> (or precipitation hardening). This involves solution heat treatment, quenching, and then allowing the alloy to age at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures. During aging, fine precipitates form within the aluminium matrix, hindering dislocation movement and increasing strength.

• Applications: Duralumin was widely used in aircraft construction, especially during World War I and the interwar period. Its strength and lightweight properties made it ideal for airframes. However, due to its corrosion susceptibility, it has largely been replaced by more corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys in modern aircraft. It also found applications in other structural components where high strength and low weight were important.