Towards Application of Aluminum Alloy 6082 For Harsh Environment Sensing in Oil and Gas Installations: An Empirical Model for Low Temperature Creep

Abstract

Aluminum alloy 6082 (AA6082) should be a suitable material for use as casings in offshore based sensors due to its mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. However, there is concern with this materials remaining strength after a fire. This paper will discuss the room temperature creep behavior of AA6082 samples after thermal aging at various temperatures. Samples were aged at a constant temperature in the range 373 K to 423 K and for durations ranging from 4 hr to 24 hr. The creep behavior was investigated using loads slightly exceeding the yield strength of aged samples. We propose an empirical model to relate steady state creep rate at room temperature with aging temperature and time. Such empirical relationship can potentially be used in deciding whether AA6082 casings can still be used to carry loads after exposure to elevated temperatures such as platform fires.