The fundamental difference is that 5052-H38 is stronger (greater tensile and yield strength) than 5052-H34, although 5052-H34 is more ductile and easier to shape. This is because the H38 temper experiences more work hardening, which enhances strength but reduces its ability to stretch or bend.
Key Properties of 5052 Aluminum Sheet
The versatility of 5052 aluminum sheet comes from its well-balanced combination of desirable mechanical and physical properties. Below is a detailed overview.
Mechanical Properties of 5052 Aluminum Sheet
Mechanical properties describe how the material reacts under applied forces.
For 5052 aluminum sheet, these properties vary depending on its temper, which reflects the degree of strain hardening.
Common tempers include O (annealed), H32, H34, and H38, with H32 and H34 being among the most widely used.
| Property | 5052-O | 5052-H32 | 5052-H34 | 5052-H38 | Units | Test Standard (Typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 193–228 (28–33) | 228–262 (33–38) | 255–289 (37–42) | ≥290 (≥42) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM B209 / E8 |
| Tensile Strength, Yield | 69–83 (10–12) | 193–214 (28–31) | 221–241 (32–35) | ≥255 (≥37) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM B209 / E8 |
| Elongation at Break (in 50 mm / 2 in) | 17–25% | 7–12% | 6–10% | 4–8% | % | ASTM B209 / E8 |
| Hardness, Brinell | 47 | 60 | 68 | 77 | HB | ASTM E10 |
| Shear Strength | ~124 (~18) | ~138 (~20) | ~152 (~22) | ~165 (~24) | MPa (ksi) | - |
| Fatigue Strength | ~96.5 (~14) | ~117 (~17) | ~124 (~18) | ~138 (~20) | MPa (ksi) | ASTM E466 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | \multicolumn{4}{c}{69.3–70.3 (10.0–10.2)} | GPa (Msi) | ASTM E111 |
Note: Typical values may vary depending on manufacturing processes and composition within specification limits.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate & Yield):
5052 aluminum provides moderate strength overall. The O temper is soft and highly ductile, while cold-worked tempers (H3x series) exhibit significantly higher strength. Among them, H32 offers an excellent balance between strength and formability.
Elongation:
A measure of ductility. The annealed 5052-O temper supports deep drawing and complex forming, while ductility gradually decreases in higher hardening tempers.
Hardness:
Increases with the degree of cold working, improving wear resistance.
Fatigue Strength:
5052 demonstrates solid fatigue performance, especially in H3x tempers, making it suitable for components exposed to repeated stress cycles. Since aluminum alloys do not have a clear endurance limit, fatigue must be considered during design.
Shear Strength:
Typically around 55%–60% of the ultimate tensile strength.
Physical Properties of 5052 Aluminum Sheet
Physical properties describe the inherent characteristics of the alloy.
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 | g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³) |
| Melting Point / Range | 607–650 | °C (1125–1200 °F) |
| Thermal Conductivity (@25°C) | 138 | W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity (@20°C) | 0.0495–0.050 (H34) | µΩ·m |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS @20°C) | ~35 (H34) | % IACS |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20–100°C) | 23.8 | µm/m·°C (13.2 µin/in·°F) |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 900 | J/kg·K |
Density:
Like most aluminum alloys, 5052 is lightweight-about one-third the density of steel-which is a major advantage in transportation and portable equipment.
Thermal Conductivity:
5052 offers good thermal conductivity, making it suitable for heat-dissipating applications such as electronic housings or heat exchangers.
Electrical Conductivity:
It provides moderate electrical conductivity. While not as conductive as pure aluminum or copper, it is appropriate for electrical components requiring both strength and corrosion resistance.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion:
The relatively high expansion rate of aluminum must be considered in structures exposed to temperature fluctuations or when pairing aluminum with other materials.
