MAGNESIUM ALLOYS in the Aircraft Industry

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MAGNESIUM ALLOYS in the Aircraft Industry

MATHES, JOHN C.

AFTER reviewing the growth of the magnesium industry in this country and summarizing present aircraft applications of magnesium alloys, Mr. Mathes indicates how they may be utilized even more widely in the future. He shows that the new magnesium alloys compare favorably in strength with aluminum, making it possible to overcome their lower modulus of elasticity as it affects compression members and still show a considerable saving in weight.Detailed applications of magnesium alloys discussed in this paper include those in the form of castings, forgings, extrusions, and sheets with respect to both aircraft and aircraft engines; favorable results are shown when compared with similar parts of aluminum even when applied to aircraft structures.The author suggests that substantial savings may be effected in cost and weight, with some gain in aerodynamic efficiency, through the use of monocoque magnesium sheet structures, such as for fins and stabilizers.