Effect of oxide layer formation on deformation of aluminum alloys under fire conditions

Journal Article · Thu May 14 00:00:00 EDT 2015 · Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part L, Journal of Materials - Design and Applications

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/1464420715587023· OSTI ID:1114626

Yilmaz, Nadir ^[1]; Vigil, Francisco M. ^[1]; Tolendino, Greg ^[2]; Gill, Walt ^[3]; Donaldson, A. Burl ^[3]

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1. Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM (United States)
2. New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM (United States)
3. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural behavior of aluminum alloys used in the aerospace industry when exposed to conditions similar to those of an accident scenario, such as a fuel fire. This study focuses on the role that the aluminum oxide layer plays in the deformation and the strength of the alloy above melting temperature. To replicate some of the thermal and atmospheric conditions that the alloys might experience in an accident scenario, aluminum rod specimens were subjected to temperatures near to or above their melting temperature in air, nitrogen, and vacuum environments. The characteristics of their deformation, such as geometry and rate of deformation, were observed. Tests were conducted by suspending aluminum rods vertically from an enclosure. This type of experiment was performed in two different environments: air and nitrogen. The change in environments allowed the effects of the oxide layer on the material strength to be analyzed by inhibiting the growth of the oxide layer. Observations were reported from imaging taken during the experiment showing creep behavior of aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures and time to failure. In addition, an example of tensile load–displacement data obtained in air and vacuum was reported to understand the effect of oxide layer on aluminum deformation and strength.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1114626
• Report Number(s): SAND--2013-8841J; 477022
• Journal Information: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part L, Journal of Materials - Design and Applications, Journal Name: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part L, Journal of Materials - Design and Applications Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 230; ISSN 1464-4207
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
aluminum oxide
creep
deformation
skin strength