Hi people, kind of an open question here: which alloy(or any manufactureable material) do you think is the best considering strength/flexibility/weight/resistance(h… oxidation, etc.) known to man? list the components and their measures if you know and no fantasy/sci fi answers if you please =) thank you =)
-
There is no single answer, as different applications require very different properties.
eg. Tip inserts for metal cutting tools - one material is an incredibly hard, dense, Ceramic!
The stuff has unbelievable compression strength and heat resistance, as the metal swarf coming away as it cuts can be literally white hot.
But, it's ceramic; relatively low tensile strength and brittle - it will shatter.
(You can also get ceramic blades, chefs knives etc. that just do not lose their edges - but again they can shatter if twisted or dropped.)
For a combination of temperature resistance and overall strength, Nickel-Chrome base alloys such as Inconel are probably the ultimate.
Where weight is critical, Aluminium, Magnesium and Titanium metals or alloys are often used. Some parts can even be made from Foamed metal to drastically reduce the weight.
The lightest 'solid' material known is Aerogel. It does not have much absolute strength, but it's strength-for-weight is tremendous and it can be used as a core for laminated or skinned parts.
eg. Tip inserts for metal cutting tools - one material is an incredibly hard, dense, Ceramic!
The stuff has unbelievable compression strength and heat resistance, as the metal swarf coming away as it cuts can be literally white hot.
But, it's ceramic; relatively low tensile strength and brittle - it will shatter.
(You can also get ceramic blades, chefs knives etc. that just do not lose their edges - but again they can shatter if twisted or dropped.)
For a combination of temperature resistance and overall strength, Nickel-Chrome base alloys such as Inconel are probably the ultimate.
Where weight is critical, Aluminium, Magnesium and Titanium metals or alloys are often used. Some parts can even be made from Foamed metal to drastically reduce the weight.
The lightest 'solid' material known is Aerogel. It does not have much absolute strength, but it's strength-for-weight is tremendous and it can be used as a core for laminated or skinned parts.
-
Superalloys for hot stage of jet engines endure the most severe combination of conditions, high temperature, very high stresses, must not corrode or oxidize, must survive impacts, vibration, and temperature cycling. A small improvement in the high temperature performance of these alloys translates to serious $$$$ for airlines because engines get more efficient at higher operating temperature. The military also pay a premium for jet engine performance.
-
krypton