The present invention relates generally to the field of structural alloys and more particularly to a tin-containing magnesium-aluminum-manganese (Mg—Al—Mn) based alloy. The alloy composition provides a desirable combination of strength and ductility.
There are currently two major alloy systems, Mg—Al—Zn (AZ) and Mg—Al—Mn (AM), for automotive casting applications. AZ91 (Mg-9% Al-1% Zn) is used in many non-structural and low-temperature components where strength is desired, such as brackets, covers, cases and housings; providing essentially the same functionality with significant mass savings compared to steel, cast iron or aluminum alloys. For structural applications such as instrument panel beams, steering systems and radiator support, where crashworthiness is important, AM50 (Mg-5% Al-0.3% Mn) or AM60 (Mg-6% Al-0.3% Mn), offer unique advantages due to their higher ductility (10-15% elongation) and higher impact strength compared to die cast magnesium alloy AZ91 or aluminum alloy A380, but at the expense of strength.
The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a tin-containing magnesium-aluminum-manganese (Mg—Al—Mn) based alloy that provides a desired combination of strength and ductility so as to be particularly suited for structural applications.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of the specification herein and, together with the general description above and the detailed description set forth below serve to explain concepts of the invention wherein:
While embodiments and practices according to the invention have been illustrated and generally described above and will hereinafter be described in connection with certain potentially preferred procedures and practices, it is to be understood that in no event is the invention to be limited to such illustrated and described embodiments procedures and practices. On the contrary, it is intended that the present invention shall extend to all alternatives and modifications as may embrace the principles of this invention within the true spirit and scope thereof.
Referring now to the drawings,
In order to evaluate the effect of Sn addition on strength and ductility, a base Mg—Al—Mn alloy was utilized with progressively increasing levels of Sn addition. Specifically, the base alloy was AM70 having a composition as set forth in the following table
The results of Sn addition to this alloy are set forth in
By way of example only, and not limitation, the invention may be further understood through reference to the following non-limiting exemplary alloy compositions as set forth in Table 1 below.
Mg - Balance
It is to be understood that while the present invention has been illustrated and described in relation to potentially preferred embodiments, constructions, and procedures, that such embodiments, constructions, and procedures are illustrative only and that the present invention is in no event to be limited thereto. Rather, it is contemplated that modifications and variations embodying the principles of the present invention will no doubt occur to those of skill in the art.
This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/801,632 filed May 18, 2006 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety
Number | Date | Country | |
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60801632 | May 2006 | US |