7055 T7751
"7055-T7751" refers to a specific high-strength aluminum alloy and its tempering process, primarily used in aerospace applications and often employed in high-performance scenarios.
7055-T7751 belongs to the 7xxx series (aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper system) of wrought aluminum alloys, specially designed for aerospace structural components.
7055 aluminum alloy is a heat-treatable wrought alloy with zinc as the primary alloying element, offering high strength. The T7751 temper indicates a specific sequence of heat treatment and mechanical processing:
- T7: Indicates that the alloy has undergone solution heat treatment and over-aging/stabilization. This process enhances stress corrosion resistance and dimensional stability but sacrifices peak strength.
- 75: Indicates stress relief through stretching.
- 751/7751: Additional digits represent further processing techniques:
- Stress relief: May involve post-heat-treatment stretching or compressing to reduce residual stress (common in thick plates or forgings).
7055 T7751 Properties
- Corrosion resistance: Due to the T7 temper, this alloy shows improved performance over earlier 7xxx series alloys, reducing susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking.
- Fatigue resistance: Well-suited for cyclic loading environments (e.g., aircraft wings).
- High strength: 7055 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys, with tensile strength exceeding that of 7075-T6 (a widely used aerospace alloy).
- Zinc content: Compared to 7075, 7055 has a higher zinc content (around 8%), which contributes to its superior strength.
- Applications: Mainly used in aerospace (e.g., aircraft fuselage, wing components), military equipment, and high-stress structural parts.
7055 T7751 Composition and Heat Treatment
- Alloy composition: 7055 is one of the most highly alloyed members of the 7xxx series, with zinc, magnesium, and copper as its main alloying elements. Its zinc content exceeds 8%, and precise aging treatments are employed to achieve high strength.
- Heat treatment state: T7751 indicates that the material has undergone solution heat treatment, followed by pre-stretching (approximately 1–3% elongation), and then dual-stage artificial aging (T77 condition). This process significantly reduces residual stress and enhances overall performance.
7055 T7751 Key Performance
- Ultimate tensile strength: approximately 593 MPa.
- Yield strength: between 480–510 MPa.
- Density: 2.86 g/cm³.
- Elongation at break: 9–12%.
- Fracture toughness: 24.2 MPa·√m.
Compared to other alloys such as 7075-T651, 7055-T7751 offers around 5% higher strength, making it more suitable for high-load applications.
7055 T7751 Aerospace Applications
7055-T7751 is widely used in aerospace structures where a high strength-to-weight ratio is critical:
- Wing structures: upper wing skins and spars.
- Fuselage components: frames and bulkheads.
- Landing gear: struts and support structures.
- Engine housings: covers and brackets.
Aerospace: Key structural components in commercial and military aircraft (such as Boeing 777 and Airbus A380).
Other Applications of 7055 T7751
- Defense: missile components, armored vehicles.
- Automotive: high-performance racing components.
- Precision manufacturing: formed thin sheets via age-relaxation forming processes to reduce springback, suitable for complex curved parts.
Its high strength and corrosion resistance make it an ideal choice for load-bearing structures.
Advantages of 7055 T7751
- High strength: Higher tensile and yield strength compared to many other aluminum alloys.
- Corrosion resistance: Improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
- Lightweight: Lower density helps reduce overall aircraft weight.
- Good machinability: Suitable for various manufacturing processes.
Comparison of 7055 T7751 with Other Tempers
- T6 vs. T7: T6 offers higher peak strength, while T7 sacrifices some strength for better corrosion resistance and stability.
- T7751 vs. T73: Both offer similar stress corrosion resistance, but T7751 may feature tailored performance for specific manufacturing needs.
7055-T7751 is a premium aluminum alloy optimized for environments requiring extremely high strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Its unique toughness makes it a top choice for advanced aerospace and defense applications.
7055-T7751 aluminum alloy is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry, achieving a balance between strength, durability, and weight efficiency.