Magnesium MSR-B (UNS M18220)

Image of Magnesium MSR-B bars
Credit: CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

MSR-B is a high-strength, heat-treatable magnesium alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Magnesium93.0%95.6%
Rare Earths2.0%3.0%
Silver2.0%3.0%
Zirconium0.40%1.0%

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

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

Table of Magnesium MSR-B Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density1820 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)≥ 240 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)≥ 185 MPa
Compressive Strength (Ultimate)310 - 385 MPa
Compressive Strength (Yield)165 - 200 MPa
Fatigue Strength # of Cycles 5.0e+7100 - 110 MPa
Shear Strength152 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)44.1 GPa
Elongation at Break≥ 2%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.30
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point550 - 640 °C
Solidus550 °C
Liquidus640 °C
Thermal Conductivity113 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)1000 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)26.7 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Resistivity6.80×10-6 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 MSR-B

AdvantagesDisadvantages
High strengthHigh cost
Good stiffnessCorrosion-prone
Good machinabilityDifficult to weld
Resistance to fatigueLow melting point
Low density

Applications of Magnesium MSR-B

Magnesium MSR-B is a versatile and high-performance magnesium alloy that is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Aircraft components: Magnesium MSR-B is often used in aircraft components, such as landing gear, engine mounts, and structural parts.
  • Automotive components: Magnesium MSR-B is also used in automotive components, such as wheels, brake rotors, and engine blocks.
  • Marine components: Magnesium MSR-B is used in marine components, such as propellers, rudders, and other parts that must be lightweight and strong.
  • Other applications: Magnesium MSR-B is also used in a variety of other applications, such as sporting goods, electronics, and medical devices.
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