Magnesium HK31A-O (UNS M13310)

Image of Magnesium HK31A-O bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

HK31A-O is a high-strength magnesium alloy that is known for its good combination of creep resistance, pressure tightness, and castability. It is commonly used in aerospace applications due to its light weight and high strength-to-weight ratio.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
MagnesiumRemainder
Copper0.10%
Nickel0.01%
Thorium2.5%4.0%
Zinc0.30%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

The following table provides a list of magnesium HK31A-O properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Magnesium HK31A-O Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1800 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)200 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)125 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)97 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)45 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)17 GPa
Elongation at Break in 50 mm30%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.35
Machinability100%
Charpy Impact V-notch3.40 J
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point590 - 650 °C
Solidus590 °C
Liquidus650 °C
Thermal Conductivity92 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1000 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.8 1/°C
Heat of Fusion325 J/g
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity6.00×10-6 Ω·cm

The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Magnesium HK31A-O

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strengthCorrosion-prone
Light weightHigh cost
Good castabilityLow melting point
Creep resistancePoor machinability

Applications of Magnesium HK31A-O

Magnesium HK31A-O is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications. Some of the common applications of Magnesium HK31A-O include:

  • Aircraft structures: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of aircraft structures, including fuselages, wings, and landing gear.
  • Engine parts: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of engine parts, including pistons, connecting rods, and cylinder heads.
  • Gearboxes: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of gearboxes, including those used in automobiles and motorcycles.
  • Bearings: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of bearings, including those used in automobiles and machinery.
  • Machine tools: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of machine tools, including milling machines, lathes, and drill presses.
  • Medical devices: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of medical devices, including implants and prosthetics.
  • Sporting goods: Magnesium HK31A-O is used in a variety of sporting goods, including bicycles, golf clubs, and fishing rods.
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