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Density doesn�t vary much by alloy because alloying elements make up

such a small portion of the composition. For aluminum alloys, density averages
about 0.1 lb/ in3 [2,700 kg/m3]; most alloys are within 5% of this number.
This is about one-third the density of carbon and stainless steels, which weigh
about 0.283 lb/ in3 [7,640 kg/m3]. Since density is the weighted average of
the densities of the elements that constitute the alloy, the 5xxx and 6xxx series
alloys are the lightest because magnesium is the lightest of the main alloying
elements. The actual density of wrought alloys is usually close to the nominal
value, but the density of castings is about 95% to 100% of the theoretical
density of the cast alloy due to porosity. Nominal densities for wrought aluminum
alloys are listed in Table 4.3�if you need to be that precise.
The coefficient of thermal expansion, which is the rate at which material
expands as its temperature increases, is itself a function of temperature,
increasing
with increasing temperature. Average values are used for a range of
temperatures, usually from room temperature (68#F [20#C]) to water�s boiling
temperature (212#F [100#C]). The coefficient also varies by alloy. The average
coefficient is approximately 13 # 10#6 /#F [23 # 10#6 /#C]. Table 4.4 compares
aluminum�s coefficient to some other materials.
4.10 ALUMINUM MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
A number of sources of specifications for aluminum mill products exist, including
the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Military
TABLE 4.3 Nominal Densities of Aluminum
Alloys in the Aluminum Specification
Alloy
Density
(lb / in.3)
Density
(kg/m3)
1100 0.098 2,710
2014 0.101 2,800
2024 0.100 2,780
3003 0.099 2,730
3004 0.098 2,720
3005 0.098 2,730
3105 0.098 2,720
4043 0.097 2,690
5005 0.098 2,700
5050 0.097 2,690
5052 0.097 2,680
5083 0.096 2,660
5086 0.096 2,660
5154 0.096 2,660
5183 0.096 2,660
5356 0.096 2,640
5454 0.097 2,690
5456 0.096 2,660
5554 0.097 2,690
5556 0.096 2,660
5654 0.096 2,660
6005 0.097 2,700
6061 0.098 2,700
6063 0.097 2,700
6066 0.098 2,720
6070 0.098 2,710
6105 0.097 2,690
6351 0.098 2,710
6463 0.097 2,690
7075 0.101 2,810
TABLE 4.4 Coefficients of Thermal Expansion
Material
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
# 10#6 / #F # 10#6 / #C
Copper 18 32
Magnesium 15 27
Aluminum 13 23
304 Stainless steel 9.6 17
Carbon Steel 6.5 12
Concrete 6.0 11

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