Only about 200 years ago, aluminum was discovered, which has found its application in various areas of our life. Aluminum is characterized by lightness, thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability. Large reserves of this metal, as well as excellent physical and chemical properties, make it irreplaceable in modern conditions. Aluminum alloys are used more often, but in its pure form it is used extremely rarely.
Aviation applications
Duralumin - an alloy of aluminum with copper and magnesium, belongs to the main structural material in aviation. The use of this material helps to reduce the dead weight of the aircraft and improve its performance. In aircraft construction, skin, keel, fuselage, wing, etc. are made from high-strength aluminum alloys.
Due to their high specific strength and stiffness, aluminum alloys are used for the manufacture of space technology objects. These are the bow, tanks and inter-tank parts of the rocket. A remarkable property of aluminum and its alloys is to increase strength and ductility as the temperature drops. And this property is very important when aluminum comes into contact with liquid oxygen, helium and hydrogen.
Application in electrical engineering
In the electrical industry, aluminum and its alloys are indispensable in the production of cables, capacitors, busbars, and AC rectifiers.
Aluminum is used not only as a conductive material for the transmission of electricity over long distances. Not so long ago, due to its corrosion resistance and lightness, aluminum alloys began to be used for power transmission line supports.
Applications in the oil, gas and chemical industries
Here, pipelines, tanks for storing petroleum products, pressure vessels, units and parts of oil and gas field products and other special equipment are made from aluminum alloys. The use of aluminum alloys can significantly reduce the weight of drilling equipment, simplify its transportability, etc.
Corrosion resistance of aluminum-based alloys increases the operational reliability of drill pipes, oil and gas pipelines and tubing. The main structural material for the manufacture of drill pipes is D16 duralumin.
Application in construction
Aluminum profiles and sheet aluminum help to bring interesting architectural ideas to life. The erected aluminum structures are characterized by lightness, corrosion resistance and strength. In civil and industrial construction, aluminum ceilings, light beams, trusses, columns, and fences are used. As well as window frames, stairs, railings, details of ventilation systems, etc.
Application in shipbuilding
Aluminum and its alloys have found their application in shipbuilding. Duralumin and other aluminum-based alloys are used to build the hulls of high-speed Meteors and Rockets, deck superstructures, rescue boats, ladders, radar masts and other ship equipment. As a result of this, a significant reduction in the mass of the vessel occurs, and, consequently, its carrying capacity, speed and maneuverability increase.
Application in road and railway transport
Aluminum and its alloys are also used in the automotive industry and railway transport. These are heavy truck frames, body cladding, tank trucks. Bodies and frames of railway wagons, tanks for transportation of petrochemical products.
Good corrosive qualities of the material allow to transport products with aggressive concentration, extend the service life of vehicles.
Household use
In everyday life, these are kitchen utensils, jewelry, foil for baking and packaging, decor items, gardening products, mirrors, etc.
Aluminum and its alloys have found a worthy place in modern human life.
