Material Selection & Properties Flashcards
7 cards from real AM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Material Selection & Properties flashcards as text
Which material property allows a metal to be drawn into wire without fracturing?
Answer: Ductility
Ductility is the ability of a material to deform plastically under tensile stress without fracturing, enabling it to be drawn into wire.
What is the significance of the 'T6' temper designation for aluminum alloys such as 6061-T6?
Answer: Solution heat-treated and artificially aged to peak strength
T6 temper means the alloy was solution heat-treated then artificially aged (precipitation hardened), achieving near-maximum strength and hardness.
What is the primary structural advantage of honeycomb sandwich construction used in aircraft panels?
Answer: Very high bending stiffness at low weight
Honeycomb sandwich panels achieve extremely high flexural stiffness-to-weight ratios by separating stiff face sheets with a lightweight honeycomb core.
Magnesium alloys are sometimes used in aircraft components but require special handling. Why?
Answer: They are highly flammable and can burn intensely if ignited
Magnesium burns with an intensely hot white flame and is difficult to extinguish with water, requiring special fire suppression and careful handling procedures.
What does the term 'work hardening' (strain hardening) describe?
Answer: Increased hardness and strength resulting from plastic deformation at room temperature
Work hardening occurs when plastic deformation increases dislocation density, making further deformation more difficult and raising hardness and strength.
Which property is defined as the ability of a material to absorb energy and deform plastically before fracturing?
Answer: Toughness
Toughness is the total energy absorbed per unit volume before fracture, combining both strength and ductility in a single measure.
Why is 4130 chromoly steel commonly used for aircraft welded tube structures such as engine mounts?
Answer: It has excellent weldability and a favorable strength-to-weight ratio
4130 chromoly steel combines good weldability, high strength-to-weight ratio, and adequate toughness, making it ideal for welded airframe tube structures.