Utilizing Magnesium based Materials to Reduce Green House Gas Emissions in Aerospace Sector

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of light weighting option in aerospace sector as an effective measure of reducing the carbon dioxide emission. Various methods of reduction in fuel consumption in aerospace sector are highlighted. Use of magnesium based materials as replacement for aluminum based materials and fiber based composites for light weighting is highlighted with an example. Myths of ignitability and flammability are dispelled by directing the attention of the readers to the inherent thermal properties of magnesium in bulk form and through highlighting the past and present use of magnesium based materials in both fighter and commercial aircrafts. Information is also provided on the availability of some coating techniques that can bring the corrosion resistance of magnesium based materials at par with aluminum based materials.

Applications of Magnesium and Its Alloys: A Review

“…By substituting all aluminum alloys with magnesium alloys, the aircraft could attain an overall weight reduction of~60.4 tonnes (t) or 28% of its "operating empty weight" [50]. The potential benefits of using magnesium in the aerospace industry led to several experiments throughout history where aircraft were constructed entirely with magnesium or magnesium as the base material.…”

Exploring structure-property relationships in magnesium dissolution modulators

“…As the lightest structural engineering metal, magnesium (Mg) is a promising material for advanced technologies that will ameliorate climate change through enhanced battery technologies and improved transport applications 1,2 . Magnesium is useful for light-weight automotive [3][4][5] and aerospace components 6,7 , as anode material for energy storage systems [8][9][10][11] and as base material for bioresorbable medical implants [12][13][14][15][16][17] . Due to high abundance, relatively low cost, and versatility, Mg and Mg-based alloys are being increasingly employed for these and other industrial applications.…”

Influence of Al and Zn alloying additions on the deformation mechanisms of Mg alloys

“…Compared with non-metallic materials such as composites and polymers, magnesium materials can provide high impact characteristics, good electric conductivity, damage tolerance, as well as low cost in some applications. In 1948, 8600 kgs of Mg alloys were utilized in the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, a strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force, leading to a weight saving of over 1900 pounds and to an extension of the flying range by 190 miles [16]. In addition, more than seven components of the attack helicopter Boeing AH-64D Apache, including the main transmission housing, were made of the Mg-4.1wt%Y-2.5wt%Nd-0.5wt%Zr (WE43) alloy [3,16].…”

“…In 1948, 8600 kgs of Mg alloys were utilized in the Convair B-36 Peacemaker, a strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force, leading to a weight saving of over 1900 pounds and to an extension of the flying range by 190 miles [16]. In addition, more than seven components of the attack helicopter Boeing AH-64D Apache, including the main transmission housing, were made of the Mg-4.1wt%Y-2.5wt%Nd-0.5wt%Zr (WE43) alloy [3,16]. In the late 50's, the consumption of magnesium in US aerospace industries reached a level of 10,000 tons per year [2,17].…”

“…Sample preparation for TEM consisted on the extraction of thin, electron-transparent, lamellae by focused ion beam (FIB) milling, as described in Chapter 2. Lamellae were milled parallel to both the(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) and (0001) planes to facilitate a better assessment of the morphology of the precipitates.…”