Aluminium alloys — identify the trade name by composition Which aluminium alloy is produced by melting aluminium with about 2 to 10% magnesium and roughly 1.75% copper? Select the commonly used trade name for this composition.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: magnalium

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Nomenclature of aluminium alloys in shop-floor and exam problems often uses trade names that hint at the main alloying elements and intended properties. Being able to map approximate compositions to these conventional names is a basic but important metallurgical skill for materials selection and heat-treatment planning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Base metal: aluminium.
  • Alloying additions: magnesium in the range 2–10% and copper about 1.75% by mass.
  • We are choosing among typical historical trade names used in manufacturing and textbooks.


Concept / Approach:
Magnalium is the long-established name for aluminium–magnesium alloys, typically with magnesium content anywhere from a few percent up to double digits, sometimes with minor copper, silicon, or nickel to tune strength and castability. Duralumin denotes aluminium–copper wrought alloys around 4% Cu with small Mg and Mn, optimized for age hardening. Y-alloy is an aluminium–copper–nickel–magnesium casting alloy for elevated temperature. Hindalium is a regional trade name for Al–Mg–Mn sheet alloys but not the classic Al–Mg with a defined copper addition near 1.75%.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Match the dominant solute (2–10% Mg) to the trade family best known for Al–Mg systems → magnalium.Check the small Cu addition (about 1.75%) — permissible in some magnalium grades; not typical of duralumin where Cu is the major addition (~4%).Exclude Y-alloy (needs Ni ~2%) and alclad (a cladding process, not a composition), and hindalium in its common sense.


Verification / Alternative check:
Property sets for magnalium emphasize low density and improved strength over pure aluminium plus good machinability; these align with Al–Mg systems containing minor Cu.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Duralumin: primarily Al–Cu (~4% Cu) with lower Mg; the given Mg range is too large for classic duralumin.
  • Y-alloy: requires notable nickel for hot strength.
  • Hindalium: broadly Al–Mg–Mn sheet products; composition stated is not the canonical definition.
  • Alclad: refers to metallurgical cladding, not alloy chemistry.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any Cu presence implies duralumin; conflating processing terms (alclad) with alloy names.


Final Answer:

magnalium

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