New Aspects of Temperature Behavior of AJ52x, Creep Resistant Magnesium Alloy

The new patented high temperature alloy AJ52x has the potential to replace the aluminum alloy 380 in power-train applications. The creep properties of AJ52x are similar to the aluminum alloy A380 and overall mechanical performance is superior to other magnesium creep resistant alloys AS41 and AE42. These properties were presented in the SAE paper 2001-01-0424. The present paper reports on further evaluation of the properties of the AJ52x alloy.

Thermal conductivity of AJ52x has been investigated in a range of temperatures from R.T. to 450°C; the thermal conductivity is higher than any die-cast magnesium alloy. So due to the high thermal conductivity, the AJ52x alloy is able to evacuate 75% of energy as the aluminum alloy currently used in the power-train components. These thermal properties have been compared with thermal properties calculated from electrical resistivity at room temperature. The effect of temperature on Young's Modulus and the percent-retention have been found to be similar to standard aluminum alloys. Additional test results show best torque and bolt-load retention for aluminum A380, however AJ52x is superior to standard magnesium die-casting alloys.