Aluminium alloy 2024 2024
Al-Cu-Mg alloy (AA 2024, UNS A92024)
Also known as UNS A92024, EN 3.1355, EN name AW-2024, EN name AlCu4Mg1, DIN AlCuMg2, AFNOR A-U4G1 · 17 more
2024 is a wrought aluminium alloy whose main addition is copper, with smaller amounts of magnesium and manganese (an Al-Cu-Mg alloy, UNS A92024).
Evidence level
2 of 5
Lab-measured
- 0Predicted only. No one has made it, or no measurement exists.
- 1Calculated. Only calculated or predicted values from sources.
- 2Lab-measured. Measured properties with their conditions stated.
- 3Space-relevant tests. Measured in conditions relevant to space, such as vacuum or atomic oxygen.
- 4Ground-qualified. Qualified for an application on the ground.
- 5Flown or field-proven. Flight or field results exist.
Strength, T4 record
324 MPa yield
Strength, T351 plate minimums
280 MPa minimum
Weight and stiffness
2.78 g/cc
Fracture toughness
32 MPa-m½
Heat conduction
121 W/m-K
Recipe, share of the weight
- Al balance (the ASM sheet prints 90.7 to 94.7 wt% and says the aluminium content is calculated as remainder)Aluminium
- Cu 3.8 to 4.9%Copper
- Mg 1.2 to 1.8%Magnesium
- Mn 0.3 to 0.9%Manganese
- Si max 0.5 wt%Silicon
- Fe max 0.5 wt%Iron
Best for
A high-strength wrought aluminium alloy for aircraft fittings and structural parts (the datasheets list these uses; ASM typical T4 yield strength is 324 MPa)
Weakest at
Stress-corrosion cracking of the 2024-T351 temper in seacoast and salt-water conditions (NASA 1981), and pitting in salt water
Risk at a glance
- People No data. No hazard data recorded
- If it fails High. Stress-corrosion cracking of 2024-T351 plate
- Corrosion Severe. NASA's 1981 seacoast test found 2024-T351 highly susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking.
Quick facts: 2024
| Property | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.78 g/cm³ | 1 sourced value |
| Yield strength | 260 to 324 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Tensile strength | 410 to 469 MPa | 4 sourced values across conditions |
| Young's modulus | 73.1 GPa | 1 sourced value |
| Thermal conductivity | 120 to 121 W/(m·K) | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 22.9 to 23.2 ppm/K | 2 sourced values across conditions |
| Melting point | 502 to 638 °C | 1 sourced value |
| Specific heat | 875 J/(kg·K) | 1 sourced value |
| Electrical resistivity | 5.8e-8 Ω·m | 1 sourced value |
What is the density of Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the thermal conductivity of Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 has a thermal conductivity of 120 to 121 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 22.9 to 23.2 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What is the melting point of Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 has a melting point of 502 to 638 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.
What is the yield strength of Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 has a yield strength of 260 to 324 MPa. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.
What are the other names and codes for Aluminium alloy 2024?
Aluminium alloy 2024 is also written as UNS A92024, EN 3.1355, EN name AW-2024, EN name AlCu4Mg1, DIN AlCuMg2, AFNOR A-U4G1. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.
What is Aluminium alloy 2024 used for?
Uses recorded in the sources include Aerospace structural parts and components of assemblies; Structures and components in the aircraft and transportation industries; Gears and shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, hydraulic valve bodies and pistons.
Why it exists
Aluminium alloy 2024 is a wrought, heat-treatable aluminium alloy built on copper, with smaller amounts of magnesium and manganese. Wrought means it is worked into sheet, plate, bar or forgings by rolling, extruding or forging rather than cast to shape. The printed ASM and Aubert and Duval datasheets give a high-strength T4 record with a typical yield strength of 324 MPa and a density of 2.78 g/cc, and the BS 2L97 limits give minimum strengths for 2024-T351 plate. Its strength is set by heat treatment (solution treatment, quench and ageing). A temper is a code for that heat treatment and working, so this profile keeps the T4, forged and T351 plate values apart. The 1981 NASA seacoast test shows that the T351 temper is very susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking in short transverse specimens.
Where it's used
Aerospace structural parts
The Aubert and Duval datasheet lists aerospace structural parts and components of assemblies as an application of 2024. The BS 2L97 datasheet says the alloy is commonly used on structures and components in the aircraft and transportation industries, because of its high strength and excellent fatigue resistance.
Fittings, gears, shafts and fasteners
The printed ASM datasheet lists aircraft fittings, gears and shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, hydraulic valve bodies, pistons and worm gears among the uses of 2024.
Recipe
Al-Cu-Mg alloy (AA 2024, UNS A92024); composition limits in wt%: Cu 3.8 to 4.9, Mg 1.2 to 1.8, Mn 0.3 to 0.9, Si max 0.5, Fe max 0.5, Cr max 0.1, Zn max 0.25, Ti max 0.15, Al balance
Wrought Al-Cu-Mg alloy. Composition limits in wt% from the printed ASM datasheet: copper 3.8 to 4.9, magnesium 1.2 to 1.8, manganese 0.3 to 0.9, with silicon, iron, chromium, zinc and titanium at their maxima and aluminium the balance. The Aubert and Duval datasheet gives a nominal 4.4 Cu, 1.5 Mg and 0.6 Mn. Its heat treatment is solution treatment at 493 °C, water quench, then ageing to the required properties.
| Ingredient | Share of the weight | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium Al | balance (the ASM sheet prints 90.7 to 94.7 wt% and says the aluminium content is calculated as remainder) | The matrix of the alloy. |
| Copper Cu | 3.8 to 4.9% | Main alloying element, nominal 4.4 wt% (Aubert and Duval). Wikipedia says 2000-series alloys alloyed with copper can be precipitation hardened to strengths comparable to steel. |
| Magnesium Mg | 1.2 to 1.8% | Alloying addition, nominal 1.5 wt% (Aubert and Duval). |
| Manganese Mn | 0.3 to 0.9% | Alloying addition, nominal 0.6 wt% (Aubert and Duval). |
| Silicon Si | max 0.5 wt% | Impurity limit set on the datasheet. |
| Iron Fe | max 0.5 wt% | Impurity limit set on the datasheet. |
Weight shares are as printed in the sources.
What it can do
Strength, T4 record
324 MPa yield
In the T4 record of the ASM datasheet the typical tensile yield strength is 324 MPa and the typical ultimate tensile strength is 469 MPa, with 19 % elongation for a 1/2 inch specimen. These are typical values marked not for design.
Strength, T351 plate minimums
280 MPa minimum
For 2024-T351 plate of 6 to 25 mm in the LT direction, the BS 2L97 limits give a minimum 0.2 % proof stress of 280 MPa, a minimum tensile strength of 430 MPa and a minimum elongation of 10 %. For 40 to 115 mm the minimums are 270 MPa and 410 MPa, with 8 %.
Weight and stiffness
2.78 g/cc
Density is 2.78 g/cc and the modulus of elasticity, a measure of stiffness, is 73.1 GPa (ASM typical). The fatigue strength is 138 MPa after 500,000,000 cycles of completely reversed stress in an RR Moore test.
Fracture toughness
32 MPa-m½
The ASM datasheet gives a plane-strain fracture toughness of 32 MPa-m½ in the T-L direction, and 26 MPa-m½ in the S-L direction.
Heat conduction
121 W/m-K
Thermal conductivity is 121 W/m-K at 77 °F (ASM typical) and 120 W/(m·K) at 20 °C for the T4 condition (Aubert and Duval).
Thermal expansion
23.2 ppm/K
The mean linear expansion is 23.2 µm/m-°C between 68 and 212 °F (ASM typical), and 22.9 ppm/K between 20 and 100 °C (Aubert and Duval).
How it compares
The record supports only a limited comparison. The USGS says composites can substitute for aluminium in aircraft fuselages and wings, and composites, magnesium, steel and titanium can substitute in ground transportation. It says copper can replace aluminium in electrical and heat-exchange uses. This profile holds no strength-per-mass numbers for those alternatives, so it does not rank them.
The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.
| Measurement | 2024 | 6061 | 7075-T6 | 5052 | 5XXX | 2195 (Al-Cu-Li) | Al | 1050 | 2011 | 2014 | 2017 | 2017A | 2219 | 2319 | 2618A | 3003 | 3103 | 4047 | 5019 | 5056 | 5083 | AlMg2 | AlMg3 | 6013 | 6063 | 6082 | 6101 | AA7050 | AA8011 | Au-Al IMCs | Al master alloys |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal behavior and safety | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal conductivity at 77 °F, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 121 W/m-K8 | 167 W/(m·K) | 130 W/m·K | 138 W/m-K | 138 W/(m·K) | no data | 220 W/(m·K) | 229 W/m.K | 140 W/m.K | 138 W/(m·K) | 140 W/m.K | 140 W/m.K | 130 W.m/m2.°C | no data | 147 W/m.K | 190 W/m.K | 160 W/m.K | no data | 110 to 140 W/(m·K) | 109 to 117 W/(m·K) | 121 W/(m·K) | 138 W/(m·K) | 140 to 160 W/(m·K) | 164 W/(m·K) | 200 W/(m·K) | 180 W/(m·K) | no data | 154 W/(m·K) | 210 to 220 W/(m·K) | no data | no data |
| Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, T4 condition | 120 W/(m·K)9 | 167 W/(m·K) | 130 W/m·K | 138 W/m-K | 138 W/(m·K) | no data | 220 W/(m·K) | 229 W/m.K | 140 W/m.K | 138 W/(m·K) | 140 W/m.K | 140 W/m.K | 130 W.m/m2.°C | no data | 147 W/m.K | 190 W/m.K | 160 W/m.K | no data | 110 to 140 W/(m·K) | 109 to 117 W/(m·K) | 121 W/(m·K) | 138 W/(m·K) | 140 to 160 W/(m·K) | 164 W/(m·K) | 200 W/(m·K) | 180 W/(m·K) | no data | 154 W/(m·K) | 210 to 220 W/(m·K) | no data | no data |
| Specific heat capacityTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 0.875 J/g-°C12 | no data | 960 J/kg·K | no data | no data | no data | 900 J/(kg·K) | no data | no data | no data | 0.88 J/(g·°C) | 0.88 J/g-°C | 0.86 J/g.°C | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | 904 J/(kg·K) | no data | no data | 898 J/(kg·K) | 900 J/(kg·K) | no data | no data | 896 J/(kg·K) | no data | 0.86 J/g°C | no data | no data | no data |
| Melting range (solidus to liquidus) | 502 to 638 °C14 | 582 to 652 °C | no data | no data | 607.2 to 649 °C | no data | 640 to 660 °C | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Physical and electrical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Density, typical | 2.78 g/cc1 | 2.7 g/cm³ | 2.8 Mg/m3 | 2.68 g/cc | 2.68 g/cm³ | 0.096 lb/in3 | 2.7 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ | 2.82 g/cm³ | 2.82 g/cm³ | 2.79 g/cm³ | 2.79 g/cm³ | 2.84 g/cm³ | 2.84 g/cm³ | 2.76 g/cm³ | 2.73 g/cm³ | 2.73 g/cm³ | 2.65 g/cm³ | 2.64 g/cm³ | 2.64 g/cm³ | 2.65 g/cm³ | 2.69 g/cm³ | 2.67 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ | 2700 kg/m3 | 2.7 g/cm³ | 0.097 lb/cu.in | 2.83 g/cm³ | 2.71 g/cm³ | no data | no data |
| Electrical resistivity at 68 °F | 5.82 µΩ·cm13 | 4 µΩ·cm | 5.2 µΩ·cm | no data | 5.8 µΩ·cm | no data | 2.646 µΩ·cm | no data | no data | 0.045 µΩ·m | no data | no data | 5.7 μΩ.cm²/cm | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | 0.0526 to 0.0667 Ω·mm²/m | 5.88×10^-8 to 6.25×10^-8 Ω·m | 0.058 µΩ·m | 50 nΩ·m | no data | no data | 0.35 µΩ·m | 0.038 µΩ·m | no data | no data | 2.86×10^-8 to 2.94×10^-8 Ω·m | no data | no data |
| Other measurements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tensile yield strength, typical, T4 record | 324 MPa2 | 276 MPa | 503 MPa | 13 ksi | 193 MPa | 74 ksi | 29 MPa | > 85 MPa | 140 MPa | > 400 MPa | 276 MPa | 276 MPa | > 50 ksi | 70 MPa | 350 MPa | 50 MPa | > 110 MPa | 55 MPa | no data | no data | > 125 MPa | > 120 MPa | > 80 MPa | 350 MPa | 21 ksi | > 255 MPa | 28000 psi | > 414 MPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Ultimate tensile strength, typical, T4 record | 469 MPa3 | 310 MPa | 572 MPa | 28 ksi | 228 MPa | 80 ksi | 88 MPa | 105 to 145 MPa | 300 MPa | > 460 MPa | 427 MPa | 427 MPa | > 62 ksi | 160 MPa | 420 MPa | 110 MPa | > 140 MPa | 124 MPa | 270 to 350 MPa | 300 MPa | 275 to 350 MPa | 190 to 230 MPa | 190 to 260 MPa | 410 MPa | 27 ksi | > 300 MPa | 32000 psi | > 483 MPa | 180 to 195 MPa | no data | no data |
| Elongation at break, 1/2 in. diameter specimen, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 19 %4 | 17 % | 11 % | 25 % | 12 % | 8 % | 50 to 65 % | 4 to 8 % | 16 % | > 6 % | 18 % | 18 % | > 6 % | 12 % | > 5 % | 25 % | > 8 % | 12 % | > 2 % | 20 % | > 12 % | 4 to 12 % | > 12 % | 4 % | 8 % | > 9 % | > 8 % | > 7 % | > 1 % | no data | no data |
| Elongation at break, 1/16 in. thick specimen, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 20 %5 | 17 % | 11 % | 25 % | 12 % | 8 % | 50 to 65 % | 4 to 8 % | 16 % | > 6 % | 18 % | 18 % | > 6 % | 12 % | > 5 % | 25 % | > 8 % | 12 % | > 2 % | 20 % | > 12 % | 4 to 12 % | > 12 % | 4 % | 8 % | > 9 % | > 8 % | > 7 % | > 1 % | no data | no data |
| Modulus of elasticity, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 73.1 GPa | 68.9 GPa | 71 GPa | 70.3 GPa | 70.3 GPa | 11 MSI | 69 GPa | 69000 MPa | 70 GPa | 71 GPa | 72 GPa | 72 GPa | 73.8 x10^3 N/mm2 | no data | 71 GPa | 69.5 GPa | 69.5 GPa | no data | 70 GPa | 71 GPa | 72 GPa | 70 GPa | 70 GPa | 71 GPa | 69.5 GPa | 70 GPa | no data | 71.5 GPa | 70 GPa | no data | no data |
| Fatigue strength at 500,000,000 cycles, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 138 MPa6 | 96.5 MPa | 158 MPa | 117 MPa | 117 MPa | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Plane-strain fracture toughness K(IC), T-L direction, T4 record | 32 MPa-m½7 | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data | no data |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 68 to 212 °F, T4 recordTypical value listed in a printed datasheet | 23.2 ppm/K10 | 23.6 ppm/K | 23.4 µm/m·K | 24.8 µm/m-°C | 24 ppm/K | no data | 22.5 ppm/K | 23.5 x10-6/K | 21.4 µm/m.°C | 23 ppm/K | 22.9 µm/(m·°C) | 22.9 µm/m.°C | 22.5 x10^-6 m/m.°C | no data | 21.6 µm/m°C | 23.1 ppm/K | 23.1 x10-6/K | no data | no data | 2.41×10^-5 1/K | 25 ppm/K | 23.8 µm/m/°C | 23.9 ppm/K | 21.7 µm/m°C | 23.5 ppm/K | 23.1 ppm/K | no data | 23.5 ppm/K | 2.35×10^-5 1/K | no data | no data |
| Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, T4 condition | 22.9 ppm/K11 | 23.6 ppm/K | 23.4 µm/m·K | 24.8 µm/m-°C | 24 ppm/K | no data | 22.5 ppm/K | 23.5 x10-6/K | 21.4 µm/m.°C | 23 ppm/K | 22.9 µm/(m·°C) | 22.9 µm/m.°C | 22.5 x10^-6 m/m.°C | no data | 21.6 µm/m°C | 23.1 ppm/K | 23.1 x10-6/K | no data | no data | 2.41×10^-5 1/K | 25 ppm/K | 23.8 µm/m/°C | 23.9 ppm/K | 21.7 µm/m°C | 23.5 ppm/K | 23.1 ppm/K | no data | 23.5 ppm/K | 2.35×10^-5 1/K | no data | no data |
| Tensile yield strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | > 260 MPa15 | 276 MPa | 503 MPa | 13 ksi | 193 MPa | 74 ksi | 29 MPa | > 85 MPa | 140 MPa | > 400 MPa | 276 MPa | 276 MPa | > 50 ksi | 70 MPa | 350 MPa | 50 MPa | > 110 MPa | 55 MPa | no data | no data | > 125 MPa | > 120 MPa | > 80 MPa | 350 MPa | 21 ksi | > 255 MPa | 28000 psi | > 414 MPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Ultimate tensile strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | > 420 MPa16 | 310 MPa | 572 MPa | 28 ksi | 228 MPa | 80 ksi | 88 MPa | 105 to 145 MPa | 300 MPa | > 460 MPa | 427 MPa | 427 MPa | > 62 ksi | 160 MPa | 420 MPa | 110 MPa | > 140 MPa | 124 MPa | 270 to 350 MPa | 300 MPa | 275 to 350 MPa | 190 to 230 MPa | 190 to 260 MPa | 410 MPa | 27 ksi | > 300 MPa | 32000 psi | > 483 MPa | 180 to 195 MPa | no data | no data |
| Elongation (5d), lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | > 8 %17 | 17 % | 11 % | 25 % | 12 % | 8 % | 50 to 65 % | 4 to 8 % | 16 % | > 6 % | 18 % | 18 % | > 6 % | 12 % | > 5 % | 25 % | > 8 % | 12 % | > 2 % | 20 % | > 12 % | 4 to 12 % | > 12 % | 4 % | 8 % | > 9 % | > 8 % | > 7 % | > 1 % | no data | no data |
| Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | > 280 MPa18 | 276 MPa | 503 MPa | 13 ksi | 193 MPa | 74 ksi | 29 MPa | > 85 MPa | 140 MPa | > 400 MPa | 276 MPa | 276 MPa | > 50 ksi | 70 MPa | 350 MPa | 50 MPa | > 110 MPa | 55 MPa | no data | no data | > 125 MPa | > 120 MPa | > 80 MPa | 350 MPa | 21 ksi | > 255 MPa | 28000 psi | > 414 MPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | > 430 MPa19 | 310 MPa | 572 MPa | 28 ksi | 228 MPa | 80 ksi | 88 MPa | 105 to 145 MPa | 300 MPa | > 460 MPa | 427 MPa | 427 MPa | > 62 ksi | 160 MPa | 420 MPa | 110 MPa | > 140 MPa | 124 MPa | 270 to 350 MPa | 300 MPa | 275 to 350 MPa | 190 to 230 MPa | 190 to 260 MPa | 410 MPa | 27 ksi | > 300 MPa | 32000 psi | > 483 MPa | 180 to 195 MPa | no data | no data |
| Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | > 10 %20 | 17 % | 11 % | 25 % | 12 % | 8 % | 50 to 65 % | 4 to 8 % | 16 % | > 6 % | 18 % | 18 % | > 6 % | 12 % | > 5 % | 25 % | > 8 % | 12 % | > 2 % | 20 % | > 12 % | 4 to 12 % | > 12 % | 4 % | 8 % | > 9 % | > 8 % | > 7 % | > 1 % | no data | no data |
| Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | > 270 MPa21 | 276 MPa | 503 MPa | 13 ksi | 193 MPa | 74 ksi | 29 MPa | > 85 MPa | 140 MPa | > 400 MPa | 276 MPa | 276 MPa | > 50 ksi | 70 MPa | 350 MPa | 50 MPa | > 110 MPa | 55 MPa | no data | no data | > 125 MPa | > 120 MPa | > 80 MPa | 350 MPa | 21 ksi | > 255 MPa | 28000 psi | > 414 MPa | no data | no data | no data |
| Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | > 410 MPa22 | 310 MPa | 572 MPa | 28 ksi | 228 MPa | 80 ksi | 88 MPa | 105 to 145 MPa | 300 MPa | > 460 MPa | 427 MPa | 427 MPa | > 62 ksi | 160 MPa | 420 MPa | 110 MPa | > 140 MPa | 124 MPa | 270 to 350 MPa | 300 MPa | 275 to 350 MPa | 190 to 230 MPa | 190 to 260 MPa | 410 MPa | 27 ksi | > 300 MPa | 32000 psi | > 483 MPa | 180 to 195 MPa | no data | no data |
| Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | > 8 %23 | 17 % | 11 % | 25 % | 12 % | 8 % | 50 to 65 % | 4 to 8 % | 16 % | > 6 % | 18 % | 18 % | > 6 % | 12 % | > 5 % | 25 % | > 8 % | 12 % | > 2 % | 20 % | > 12 % | 4 to 12 % | > 12 % | 4 % | 8 % | > 9 % | > 8 % | > 7 % | > 1 % | no data | no data |
Why choose it, and why not
Good for
- High-strength structural parts. The ASM typical T4 yield strength is 324 MPa at 2.78 g/cc.
- Fatigue-loaded parts. The ASM typical fatigue strength is 138 MPa at 500,000,000 cycles, completely reversed (RR Moore).
- Aircraft fittings and structures, the uses named in the datasheets.
Watch out for
- Stress-corrosion cracking of 2024-T351 under sustained short transverse stress in seacoast or salt-water exposure (NASA 1981).
- Pitting in salt water, most severe and earliest there (NASA 1981).
- The ASM strengths are typical values marked NOT FOR DESIGN. The BS 2L97 values are minimum limits from one stockist's copy, not design allowables.
- No T3 sheet, O temper, cryogenic, outgassing or flight values were found in a readable source.
2024 is a high-strength Al-Cu-Mg alloy with a record of use in aircraft structures and fittings in the sources cited. The sourced numbers are typical T4 values, forged T4 limits and BS 2L97 minimums for T351 plate, kept apart by temper and product form. Its clearest weakness in this record is stress-corrosion cracking of the T351 temper in seacoast and salt-water conditions, shown by the 1981 NASA test. T3 sheet, O temper and design-grade values remain open.
Technical details
For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.
Other names and standards
The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.
Notes
The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.
| # | Measurement | Method | Conditions | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Density, typical | Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy) | basis Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGNtemperature not statedtemper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper) | — |
| 2 | Tensile yield strength, typical, T4 record | Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy) | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper)product form not statedbasis Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGNtemperature not stated | — |
| 3 | Ultimate tensile strength, typical, T4 record | Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy) | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper)product form not statedbasis Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGNtemperature not stated | — |
| 4 | Elongation at break, 1/2 in. diameter specimen, T4 record | — | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)specimen 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) diameterbasis Aluminum Association typical value | — |
| 5 | Elongation at break, 1/16 in. thick specimen, T4 record | — | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)specimen 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thicknessbasis Aluminum Association typical value | — |
| 6 | Fatigue strength at 500,000,000 cycles, T4 record | — | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)loading completely reversed stresstest RR Moore machine and specimencycles 500,000,000basis Aluminum Association typical value | — |
| 7 | Plane-strain fracture toughness K(IC), T-L direction, T4 record | Typical value listed in a printed datasheet; fracture_toughness is not a name in the property canon, so it is used as a short snake_case name (see gaps) | temper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)direction T-Lbasis Aluminum Association typical value; the same table lists 26 MPa-m½ for S-L and 37 MPa-m½ for L-T | — |
| 8 | Thermal conductivity at 77 °F, T4 record | — | temperature 77 °Ftemper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)basis Aluminum Association typical value | — |
| 9 | Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, T4 condition | Typical value listed in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval) | temperature 20 °Ctemper T4 condition (as printed on the datasheet)product form forged, thickness below 75 mm (the datasheet's typical properties block)unit in source W.m/m2.°C, equal to W/(m·K) | — |
| 10 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 68 to 212 °F, T4 record | — | temperature range 68 to 212 °F (20 to 100 °C)unit in source µm/m-°C, equal to ppm/Ktemper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)basis Aluminum Association typical value, average over 68 to 212 °F | — |
| 11 | Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, T4 condition | Typical value listed in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval) | temperature range 20 to 100 °Cunit in source x 10-6 m/m.°C, equal to ppm/Ktemper T4 condition (as printed)product form forged, thickness below 75 mm | — |
| 12 | Specific heat capacity | — | temperature not statedbasis Aluminum Association typical valuetemper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4) | — |
| 13 | Electrical resistivity at 68 °F | Typical value listed in a printed datasheet; converted from ohm-cm to µΩ·cm by Space Mushroom (1 ohm-cm = 1e6 µΩ·cm) | temperature 68 °Funit in source 5.82e-006 ohm-cm, equal to 5.82 µΩ·cmtemper T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)basis Aluminum Association typical value | — |
| 14 | Melting range (solidus to liquidus) | Typical range listed in a printed datasheet (solidus 502 °C, liquidus 638 °C) | basis typical range for wrought products 1/4 inch thickness or greater; eutectic melting is not eliminated by homogenization (datasheet comment)temper not stated | — |
| 15 | Tensile yield strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval) | temper T4 condition (as printed)product form forged, thickness below 75 mmdirection longitudinaltemperature ambientprinted as >260 N/mm2 | — |
| 16 | Ultimate tensile strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval) | temper T4 condition (as printed)product form forged, thickness below 75 mmdirection longitudinaltemperature ambientprinted as >420 N/mm2 | — |
| 17 | Elongation (5d), lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm | Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval) | temper T4 condition (as printed)product form forged, thickness below 75 mmdirection longitudinaltemperature ambientprinted as >8 % | — |
| 18 | Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 6 to 25 mm thicknessdirection LTbasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet (the column is headed min, under a heading Typical Mechanical Properties) | — |
| 19 | Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 6 to 25 mm thicknessdirection LTbasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet | — |
| 20 | Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 6 to 25 mm thicknessdirection LTgauge 5.65 times square root of original areabasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet | — |
| 21 | Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 40 to 115 mm thicknessdirection LTbasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet | — |
| 22 | Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 40 to 115 mm thicknessdirection LTbasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet | — |
| 23 | Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT | Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself) | temper T351product form plate, 40 to 115 mm thicknessdirection LTgauge 5.65 times square root of original areabasis minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet | — |
Corrosion and compatibility
What happens when it meets other materials and environments.
| Environment | Concern | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Seacoast atmosphere and salt water, short-transverse tension specimens of plate (NASA TM-82393, 1981) | severe | NASA's 1981 seacoast test found 2024-T351 highly susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking.1 |
| Chloride solution under applied tensile stress (1.0 M NaCl, controlled anodic potentials) | not rated | Tensile stress makes intergranular attack of AA2024-T3 faster in chloride solution.2 |
| Salt water and seacoast exposure, pitting (NASA TM-82393, 1981) | not rated | Pitting occurred in every test medium and was most severe, and earliest, in salt water.3 |
| # | Environment | Details | Test conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seacoast atmosphere and salt water, short-transverse tension specimens of plate (NASA TM-82393, 1981) | Round specimens of plate, stressed in the short transverse direction up to 100 percent of yield, were exposed at the Kennedy Space Center seacoast and in salt water and synthetic seawater. The 2024-T351 temper failed after very short exposure periods in all three media. Conclusion 4 says 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 were highly susceptible to SCC, while 2024-T851 showed moderate resistance, with failures at 75 percent of yield. The report says its results rest on limited lots of plate and may not represent other lots or forms. | temper T351 plate, short-transverse specimensbasis one 1981 NASA test programme: about 12 months at the KSC seacoast, and shorter laboratory tests in salt water and synthetic seawaternote the loss-of-load and pitting tables are scanned and were not used for numbers |
| 2 | Chloride solution under applied tensile stress (1.0 M NaCl, controlled anodic potentials) | The abstract says the two breakdown potentials of AA2024-T3 were lower for stressed samples than for unstressed ones, and the penetration rate was higher for stressed samples. Above the higher breakdown potential the primary attack was intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC), while pitting dominated between the two breakdown potentials. Stress had a larger effect on penetration rate at higher applied potentials. | temper T3 sheet (AA2024-T3)basis electrochemical study using the foil penetration technique with modified ASTM G49 jigs; only the abstract was readnote the abstract gives no numbers; the rating is left unknown because the source gives none |
| 3 | Salt water and seacoast exposure, pitting (NASA TM-82393, 1981) | The NASA report says pitting occurred in all three test media, was most severe and earliest in salt water, and can interfere with the interpretation of SCC test results after extended exposure. For that reason it recommends one year of exposure at the KSC seacoast for SCC tests of high-strength aluminium alloys. | basis pitting measured as loss of breaking load of unstressed specimens; the numbers are not used in this profilenote the source gives no rating; the description is qualitative |
Risks and side effects
Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.
For people
No 2024-specific safety data sheet was read. The SDSs cited are for a copper product and for an Alcoa aluminium sheet product, not for 2024 as supplied.
- Copper
- A 2010 copper SDS gives H410, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, with precautionary statement P273 (avoid release to the environment).
- Dust
- The Alcoa SDS says the sheet and foil product may form combustible dust concentrations in air.
- Not covered
- Hazard classification for 2024 as supplied, and for dust or fumes from machining or welding, was not found in a source opened in this run.
If it fails
Failure routes from a 1981 NASA test and an electrochemical study. They are test results, not field incident data.
- Stress-corrosion cracking
- 2024-T351 plate, stressed in the short transverse direction, failed after very short exposure in seacoast and salt-water tests. NASA rated the temper highly susceptible.
- Pitting
- Pitting appeared in every test medium and was most severe and earliest in salt water. It can interfere with SCC test results.
- Intergranular attack under stress
- In 1.0 M NaCl, tensile stress made attack on AA2024-T3 faster. Above the higher breakdown potential the attack was intergranular stress-corrosion cracking.
Handling and storage
- Read the SDS
- Check the SDS for the exact product, alloy and form before cutting, grinding or welding.
- Protection
- The sources opened give no protection data for 2024 (paint, cladding or anodising), so this profile does not recommend one.
Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.
Failure risks
| Failure | Trigger and consequence |
|---|---|
| Stress-corrosion cracking of 2024-T351 platehigh severity | Sustained tensile stress in the short transverse direction, with seacoast or salt-water exposureIn the 1981 NASA test the 2024-T351 specimens failed after very short exposure periods in all three media. |
| Pitting that reduces section and interferes with SCC testingmoderate severity | Salt-water exposure of unprotected aluminiumPitting lowered the breaking load of unstressed specimens, and NASA says it interferes with SCC test results after extended exposure. |
| Intergranular attack under tensile stressmoderate severity | Tensile stress in 1.0 M NaCl at anodic potentialsPenetration rate is higher for stressed samples; attack above the higher breakdown potential is intergranular stress-corrosion cracking. |
Handling and storage
- Read the SDS for the exact product, alloy and form before cutting, grinding or welding. The Alcoa SDS says processing dust can form combustible concentrations.
Supply and geography
How common the raw materials are and where they come from.
Aluminium (primary smelter production)
- Top producers (2025)
- China 60.8%, India 5.7%, Russia 5.3%, Canada 4.5%, United Arab Emirates 3.6%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: listed
- Recycling
- USGS: in 2025 aluminum recovered from purchased scrap in the United States was about 3.6 million tons, of which about 56% came from new scrap and 44% from old scrap. Recovery from old scrap equalled about 28% of apparent consumption.
- Substitutes
- USGS: composites can substitute for aluminum in aircraft fuselages and wings; composites, magnesium, steel and titanium in ground transportation; copper can replace aluminum in electrical and heat-exchange applications.
Copper (world mine production)
- Top producers (2025)
- Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%, Russia 5.7%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: listed
- Recycling
- USGS: old scrap converted to refined metal provided an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025. Copper recovered from scrap contributed about 30% of the U.S. copper supply.
- Substitutes
- USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in automobile radiators, cooling and refrigeration tube, electrical equipment and power cable; titanium and steel are used in heat exchangers.
Copper (world refinery production)
- Top producers (2025)
- China 48.3%, Congo (Kinshasa) 9.7%, Chile 5.9%, Japan 4.8%, Russia 3.3%
- Critical mineral lists
- US: listed
- Recycling
- See the copper mine entry above.
Documents
Datasheets, safety data sheets, papers and standards you can open.
Full record
The complete spore, as stored. Free to reuse under CC-BY-4.0. Images keep the licence shown with each one.
Show the full YAML
spore: profile
id: aluminium-2024
spore_version: 0.2
family: aluminium-alloys
name: Aluminium alloy 2024
abbreviation: '2024'
role: aircraft structural alloy
category: metals
type: aluminium
summary: |
2024 is a wrought aluminium alloy whose main addition is copper, with smaller amounts of magnesium and manganese (an Al-Cu-Mg alloy, UNS A92024). The printed ASM datasheet gives a typical tensile yield strength of 324 MPa and a density of 2.78 g/cc for the T4 record. A 1981 NASA seacoast test found the 2024-T351 temper highly susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking. The USGS 2025 list of critical minerals includes both copper and aluminum.
best_for: A high-strength wrought aluminium alloy for aircraft fittings and structural parts (the datasheets list these uses; ASM typical T4 yield strength is 324 MPa)
weakest_at: Stress-corrosion cracking of the 2024-T351 temper in seacoast and salt-water conditions (NASA 1981), and pitting in salt water
identity:
formula: 'Al-Cu-Mg alloy (AA 2024, UNS A92024); composition limits in wt%: Cu 3.8 to 4.9, Mg 1.2 to 1.8, Mn 0.3 to 0.9, Si max 0.5, Fe max 0.5, Cr max 0.1, Zn max 0.25, Ti max 0.15, Al balance'
source: asm-2024
where: 'Composition table of the printed ASM Material Data Sheet for Aluminum 2024-T4 and 2024-T351 (Aluminum Association data, not for design). Nominal composition on the Aubert and Duval 2024 datasheet: Cu 4.4, Mg 1.5, Mn 0.6 wt%. Heat treatment on the same datasheet: solution treatment 493 °C, water quench, then ageing to the required properties.'
designations:
- system: UNS
code: A92024
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, UNS A92024
- system: EN name
code: AW-2024
source: aubert-2024
where: European Standards line, EN AW-2024 (Al Cu4Mg1)
- system: EN name
code: AlCu4Mg1
note: Chemical-symbol form of EN AW-2024, printed in brackets as Al Cu4Mg1 on the Aubert and Duval datasheet
source: aubert-2024
where: European Standards line, bracketed name (Al Cu4Mg1)
- system: ISO
code: AlCu4Mg1
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, ISO AlCu4Mg1
- system: EN
code: '3.1355'
note: 'Material number as printed on the Total Materia page for DIN 3.1355 (DIN 1725-1: 1983 is cited there). The ASM copy prints the DIN name AlCuMg2 instead.'
source: totalmateria-din-3-1355
where: Material name heading DIN 3.1355; the EN AW-2024 row of the cross-reference list names DIN among its standards
- system: DIN
code: AlCuMg2
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, DIN AlCuMg2
- system: AFNOR
code: A-U4G1
note: French (NF) designation as printed in the ASM copy. The Aubert and Duval datasheet prints the previous AFNOR designation as AU4G1.
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, NF A-U4G1 (France)
- system: AA
code: '2024'
note: Aluminum Association designation as printed (AA2024-T4 and AA2024-T351 in the ASM copy). Tempers are conditions of the properties, not separate designations.
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, AA2024-T4 and AA2024-T351
- system: CSA
code: CG42
note: Canadian designation as printed in the ASM copy
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, CSA CG42 (Canada)
- system: ASME
code: SB211
note: Printed as ASME SB211 in the ASM copy and as SB-211 2024 on the Total Materia list. Not checked against ASME.
source: asm-2024
where: Key Words line, ASME SB211
- system: ASTM
code: B209
note: Sheet and plate. The EverySpec title for QQ-A-250/4E (Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet) cross-refers ASTM B209. Total Materia also prints B 209 2024.
source: everyspec-qq-a-250-4e
where: Title note, [S/S BY SAE AMSQQ-A-250/4 and ASTM B209]
- system: ASTM
code: B221
note: Extruded products (Extruded column of Kaiser's applicable specifications)
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Extruded column
- system: ASTM
code: B211
note: Cold-finished rod and bar (Cold Finished column of Kaiser's applicable specifications)
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Cold Finished column
- system: AMS
code: '4037'
note: Sheet and plate, solution heat treated, -T3 flat sheet and -T351 plate. The SAE page shows revision R (revised August 2020), with earlier letters listed as historical.
source: sae-ams4037r
where: Title, AMS4037R Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate 4.4Cu - 1.5Mg - 0.60Mn (2024; -T3 Flat Sheet, -T351 Plate)
- system: AMS
code: QQ-A-250/4
note: SAE version of the 2024 plate and sheet spec. The SAE page shows revision A, reaffirmed May 2010, and lists a later revision B. EverySpec prints the AMS form as AMSQQ-A-250/4 in its title note.
source: sae-amsqqa250-4a
where: Title, AMSQQA250/4A Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet; scope refers to AMS-QQ-A-250
- system: US federal
code: QQ-A-250/4
note: Federal specification QQ-A-250/4E (18 January 1971). EverySpec shows its status as Cancelled.
source: everyspec-qq-a-250-4e
where: 'Title, QQ-A-250/4E, Federal Specification: Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet (18-JAN-1971)'
- system: AMS
code: QQ-A-225/6
note: Listed by Kaiser under Cold Finished. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Cold Finished column (AMS-QQ-A-225/6)
- system: AMS
code: QQ-A-200/3
note: Listed by Kaiser under Extruded. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Extruded column (AMS-QQ-A-200/3)
- system: AMS
code: '4339'
note: Listed by Kaiser under Cold Finished. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Cold Finished column
- system: AMS
code: '4120'
note: Listed by Kaiser under Cold Finished. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Cold Finished column
- system: AMS
code: '4152'
note: Listed by Kaiser under Extruded. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Extruded column
- system: AMS
code: '4164'
note: Listed by Kaiser under Extruded. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Extruded column
- system: AMS
code: '4165'
note: Listed by Kaiser under Extruded. Title not read in this run.
source: kaiser-rod-bar-2024
where: Applicable specifications table, Extruded column
tags:
stresses:
- stress-corrosion-cracking
- pitting-corrosion
applications:
- structures
- mechanisms
properties:
- benchmark: density
label: Density, typical
value: 2.78
unit: g/cc
scope: material
conditions:
basis: Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGN
temperature: not stated
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper)
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Physical Properties table, row Density (AA; Typical)
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, typical, T4 record
value: 324
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper)
product_form: not stated
basis: Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGN
temperature: not stated
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Tensile Yield Strength (AA; Typical), 47000 psi
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, typical, T4 record
value: 469
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4; the printed title also names T351, but the table is not split by temper)
product_form: not stated
basis: Aluminum Association typical value, marked NOT FOR DESIGN
temperature: not stated
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet (ASM Material Data Sheet copy)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Ultimate Tensile Strength (AA; Typical), 68000 psi
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation at break, 1/2 in. diameter specimen, T4 record
value: 19
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
specimen: 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) diameter
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Elongation at Break (first entry, 1/2 in. diameter)
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation at break, 1/16 in. thick specimen, T4 record
value: 20
unit: '%'
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
specimen: 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) thickness
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Elongation at Break (second entry, 1/16 in. thickness)
- benchmark: elastic_modulus
label: Modulus of elasticity, T4 record
value: 73.1
unit: GPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
basis: Aluminum Association typical value; average of tension and compression, compression about 2 % greater than tension (datasheet comment)
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Modulus of Elasticity (10600 ksi)
- benchmark: fatigue_strength
label: Fatigue strength at 500,000,000 cycles, T4 record
value: 138
unit: MPa
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
loading: completely reversed stress
test: RR Moore machine and specimen
cycles: 500,000,000
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Fatigue Strength (20000 psi)
- benchmark: fracture_toughness
label: Plane-strain fracture toughness K(IC), T-L direction, T4 record
value: 32
unit: MPa-m½
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
direction: T-L
basis: Aluminum Association typical value; the same table lists 26 MPa-m½ for S-L and 37 MPa-m½ for L-T
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet; fracture_toughness is not a name in the property canon, so it is used as a short snake_case name (see gaps)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Mechanical Properties table, row Fracture Toughness, K(IC) in T-L Direction (29.1 ksi-in½)
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 77 °F, T4 record
value: 121
unit: W/m-K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 77 °F
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Thermal Properties table, row Thermal Conductivity (840 BTU-in/hr-ft2-°F)
- benchmark: thermal_conductivity
label: Thermal conductivity at 20 °C, T4 condition
value: 120
unit: W/(m·K)
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 20 °C
temper: T4 condition (as printed on the datasheet)
product_form: forged, thickness below 75 mm (the datasheet's typical properties block)
unit_in_source: W.m/m2.°C, equal to W/(m·K)
method: Typical value listed in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval)
status: ground
source: aubert-2024
where: Physical properties, thermal conductivity at 20 °C (120, T4 condition)
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 68 to 212 °F, T4 record
value: 23.2
unit: ppm/K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 68 to 212 °F (20 to 100 °C)
unit_in_source: µm/m-°C, equal to ppm/K
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
basis: Aluminum Association typical value, average over 68 to 212 °F
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Thermal Properties table, row CTE, linear 68°F
- benchmark: cte
label: Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, 20 to 100 °C, T4 condition
value: 22.9
unit: ppm/K
scope: material
conditions:
temperature_range: 20 to 100 °C
unit_in_source: x 10-6 m/m.°C, equal to ppm/K
temper: T4 condition (as printed)
product_form: forged, thickness below 75 mm
method: Typical value listed in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval)
status: ground
source: aubert-2024
where: Physical properties, mean coefficient of expansion between 20°C and 100°C (22.9 x 10-6)
- benchmark: specific_heat
label: Specific heat capacity
value: 0.875
unit: J/g-°C
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: not stated
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Processing and thermal table, row Specific Heat Capacity (0.209 BTU/lb-°F)
- benchmark: electrical_resistivity
label: Electrical resistivity at 68 °F
value: 5.82
unit: µΩ·cm
scope: material
conditions:
temperature: 68 °F
unit_in_source: 5.82e-006 ohm-cm, equal to 5.82 µΩ·cm
temper: T4 (MatWeb record key ma2024t4)
basis: Aluminum Association typical value
method: Typical value listed in a printed datasheet; converted from ohm-cm to µΩ·cm by Space Mushroom (1 ohm-cm = 1e6 µΩ·cm)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Electrical Properties table, row Electrical Resistivity (AA; Typical at 68°F)
- benchmark: melting_range
label: Melting range (solidus to liquidus)
value: 502
value_high: 638
bound: range
unit: °C
scope: material
conditions:
basis: typical range for wrought products 1/4 inch thickness or greater; eutectic melting is not eliminated by homogenization (datasheet comment)
temper: not stated
method: Typical range listed in a printed datasheet (solidus 502 °C, liquidus 638 °C)
status: ground
source: asm-2024
where: Thermal Properties table, rows Melting Point, Solidus and Liquidus
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Tensile yield strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm
value: 260
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 condition (as printed)
product_form: forged, thickness below 75 mm
direction: longitudinal
temperature: ambient
printed_as: '>260 N/mm2'
method: Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval)
status: ground
source: aubert-2024
where: Typical mechanical properties block, 0.2 % Yield strength (>260 N/mm2)
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Ultimate tensile strength, lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm
value: 420
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 condition (as printed)
product_form: forged, thickness below 75 mm
direction: longitudinal
temperature: ambient
printed_as: '>420 N/mm2'
method: Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval)
status: ground
source: aubert-2024
where: Typical mechanical properties block, UTS (>420 N/mm2)
- benchmark: elongation
label: Elongation (5d), lower bound, T4 forged, thickness below 75 mm
value: 8
unit: '%'
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T4 condition (as printed)
product_form: forged, thickness below 75 mm
direction: longitudinal
temperature: ambient
printed_as: '>8 %'
method: Value printed as a lower limit under Typical mechanical properties in a manufacturer datasheet (Aubert and Duval)
status: ground
source: aubert-2024
where: Typical mechanical properties block, Elongation (5d) (>8 %)
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT
value: 280
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 6 to 25 mm thickness
direction: LT
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet (the column is headed min, under a heading Typical Mechanical Properties)
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 6-25 mm, LT, 0.2% Proof Stress min N/mm2
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT
value: 430
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 6 to 25 mm thickness
direction: LT
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 6-25 mm, LT, Tensile Strength min N/mm2
- benchmark: elongation
label: Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 6 to 25 mm, LT
value: 10
unit: '%'
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 6 to 25 mm thickness
direction: LT
gauge: 5.65 times square root of original area
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 6-25 mm, LT, Elongation on 5.65v (min%)
- benchmark: yield_strength
label: Minimum 0.2 % proof stress, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT
value: 270
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 40 to 115 mm thickness
direction: LT
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 40-115 mm, LT, 0.2% Proof Stress min N/mm2
- benchmark: ultimate_tensile_strength
label: Minimum tensile strength, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT
value: 410
unit: MPa
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 40 to 115 mm thickness
direction: LT
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 40-115 mm, LT, Tensile Strength min N/mm2
- benchmark: elongation
label: Minimum elongation on 5.65 root-S, 2024-T351 plate, 40 to 115 mm, LT
value: 8
unit: '%'
bound: lower
scope: material
conditions:
temper: T351
product_form: plate, 40 to 115 mm thickness
direction: LT
gauge: 5.65 times square root of original area
basis: minimum limit in the BS 2L97 table printed on a stockist's technical data sheet
method: Minimum limit printed in a stockist's copy of BS 2L97 (not the standard itself)
status: ground
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Typical Mechanical Properties table, row BS 2 L97 2024-T351 Plate, 40-115 mm, LT, Elongation on 5.65v (min%)
corrosion:
- environment: Seacoast atmosphere and salt water, short-transverse tension specimens of plate (NASA TM-82393, 1981)
headline: NASA's 1981 seacoast test found 2024-T351 highly susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking.
effect: Round specimens of plate, stressed in the short transverse direction up to 100 percent of yield, were exposed at the Kennedy Space Center seacoast and in salt water and synthetic seawater. The 2024-T351 temper failed after very short exposure periods in all three media. Conclusion 4 says 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 were highly susceptible to SCC, while 2024-T851 showed moderate resistance, with failures at 75 percent of yield. The report says its results rest on limited lots of plate and may not represent other lots or forms.
rating: severe
conditions:
temper: T351 plate, short-transverse specimens
basis: 'one 1981 NASA test programme: about 12 months at the KSC seacoast, and shorter laboratory tests in salt water and synthetic seawater'
note: the loss-of-load and pitting tables are scanned and were not used for numbers
source: nasa-tm82393
where: Results discussion and Conclusion 4 (NASA TM-82393)
- environment: Chloride solution under applied tensile stress (1.0 M NaCl, controlled anodic potentials)
headline: Tensile stress makes intergranular attack of AA2024-T3 faster in chloride solution.
effect: The abstract says the two breakdown potentials of AA2024-T3 were lower for stressed samples than for unstressed ones, and the penetration rate was higher for stressed samples. Above the higher breakdown potential the primary attack was intergranular stress-corrosion cracking (IGSCC), while pitting dominated between the two breakdown potentials. Stress had a larger effect on penetration rate at higher applied potentials.
rating: unknown
conditions:
temper: T3 sheet (AA2024-T3)
basis: electrochemical study using the foil penetration technique with modified ASTM G49 jigs; only the abstract was read
note: the abstract gives no numbers; the rating is left unknown because the source gives none
source: gamry-igc-2024
where: Abstract of Effect of applied tensile stress on intergranular corrosion of AA2024-T3 (Gamry literature database, publication 263)
- environment: Salt water and seacoast exposure, pitting (NASA TM-82393, 1981)
headline: Pitting occurred in every test medium and was most severe, and earliest, in salt water.
effect: The NASA report says pitting occurred in all three test media, was most severe and earliest in salt water, and can interfere with the interpretation of SCC test results after extended exposure. For that reason it recommends one year of exposure at the KSC seacoast for SCC tests of high-strength aluminium alloys.
rating: unknown
conditions:
basis: pitting measured as loss of breaking load of unstressed specimens; the numbers are not used in this profile
note: the source gives no rating; the description is qualitative
source: nasa-tm82393
where: Results discussion on pitting and Conclusion 1 (NASA TM-82393)
risks:
hazards:
- text: 'Copper, element-level: a 2010 Sigma-Aldrich copper SDS (product 349178, version 4.0, revision date 07/20/2010) gives H410, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, with signal word Warning and precautionary statement P273 (avoid release to the environment). This is one product''s SDS, not the alloy as supplied.'
ghs:
- H410
source: sigma-cu-sds
where: Section 2, Hazards identification, GHS label elements
- text: 'Aluminium sheet, coil and foil (Alcoa SDS 1352, version 04, revised May 31, 2015): the product does not meet the criteria for GHS classification, but it may form combustible dust concentrations in air. This is the closest manufacturer SDS found; its alloy list does not include 2024.'
ghs: []
source: alcoa-al-sds
where: 'Section 2, Hazard(s) identification (classification and authority-defined hazards: combustible dust)'
failure_risks:
- mode: Stress-corrosion cracking of 2024-T351 plate
trigger: Sustained tensile stress in the short transverse direction, with seacoast or salt-water exposure
consequence: In the 1981 NASA test the 2024-T351 specimens failed after very short exposure periods in all three media.
severity: high
source: nasa-tm82393
where: Results discussion and Conclusion 4 (NASA TM-82393)
- mode: Pitting that reduces section and interferes with SCC testing
trigger: Salt-water exposure of unprotected aluminium
consequence: Pitting lowered the breaking load of unstressed specimens, and NASA says it interferes with SCC test results after extended exposure.
severity: moderate
source: nasa-tm82393
where: Results discussion on pitting (NASA TM-82393)
- mode: Intergranular attack under tensile stress
trigger: Tensile stress in 1.0 M NaCl at anodic potentials
consequence: Penetration rate is higher for stressed samples; attack above the higher breakdown potential is intergranular stress-corrosion cracking.
severity: moderate
source: gamry-igc-2024
where: Abstract (Gamry literature database, publication 263)
handling:
- text: Read the SDS for the exact product, alloy and form before cutting, grinding or welding. The Alcoa SDS says processing dust can form combustible concentrations.
source: alcoa-al-sds
where: Section 2, Hazard(s) identification
uses:
- application: structures
device: Aerospace structural parts and components of assemblies
example: The Aubert and Duval datasheet lists aerospace structural parts and components of assemblies as an application of 2024 (alongside automotive use and plastics mould tools).
source: aubert-2024
where: Applications box
- application: structures
device: Structures and components in the aircraft and transportation industries
example: The BS 2L97 datasheet says 2024 is commonly used on structures and components in the aircraft and transportation industries, because of its high strength and excellent fatigue resistance.
source: bs-l97-2024
where: Opening paragraph of the technical data sheet
- application: mechanisms
device: Gears and shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, hydraulic valve bodies and pistons
example: The printed ASM datasheet lists aircraft fittings, gears and shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, hydraulic valve bodies, pistons and worm gears among the uses of 2024.
source: asm-2024
where: Material Notes, Uses
supply:
- subject: Aluminium (primary smelter production)
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 60.8
year: 2025
- country: India
share_percent: 5.7
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.3
year: 2025
- country: Canada
share_percent: 4.5
year: 2025
- country: United Arab Emirates
share_percent: 3.6
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (listed as Aluminum)
listed: true
recycling: 'USGS: in 2025 aluminum recovered from purchased scrap in the United States was about 3.6 million tons, of which about 56% came from new scrap and 44% from old scrap. Recovery from old scrap equalled about 28% of apparent consumption.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: composites can substitute for aluminum in aircraft fuselages and wings; composites, magnesium, steel and titanium in ground transportation; copper can replace aluminum in electrical and heat-exchange applications.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-aluminum
where: 'World Smelter Production and Capacity table, 2025e column (world total 74,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom); Recycling; Substitutes; Import Sources (2021 to 24): Canada 56 %'
- subject: Copper (world mine production)
producers:
- country: Chile
share_percent: 23
year: 2025
- country: Congo (Kinshasa)
share_percent: 13.9
year: 2025
- country: Peru
share_percent: 11.7
year: 2025
- country: China
share_percent: 7.8
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 5.7
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added in the 2025 list)
listed: true
recycling: 'USGS: old scrap converted to refined metal provided an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025. Copper recovered from scrap contributed about 30% of the U.S. copper supply.'
substitutes:
- 'USGS: aluminum substitutes for copper in automobile radiators, cooling and refrigeration tube, electrical equipment and power cable; titanium and steel are used in heat exchangers.'
source: usgs-mcs2026-copper
where: World Mine and Refinery Production table, mine production 2025e (world total 23,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom); Recycling; Substitutes
- subject: Copper (world refinery production)
producers:
- country: China
share_percent: 48.3
year: 2025
- country: Congo (Kinshasa)
share_percent: 9.7
year: 2025
- country: Chile
share_percent: 5.9
year: 2025
- country: Japan
share_percent: 4.8
year: 2025
- country: Russia
share_percent: 3.3
year: 2025
critical_lists:
- list: USGS 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added in the 2025 list)
listed: true
recycling: See the copper mine entry above.
substitutes: []
source: usgs-mcs2026-copper
where: World Mine and Refinery Production table, refinery production 2025e (world total 29,000 thousand t; shares calculated by Space Mushroom)
documents:
- title: 'ASM Material Data Sheet: Aluminum 2024-T4; 2024-T351 (printed copy hosted by Quickparts, 12 May 2023)'
type: datasheet
url: https://quickparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aluminium-2024.pdf
year: 2023
- title: 'Aubert and Duval datasheet: Aluminium alloy 2024, Al Cu4Mg1 (EN AW-2024)'
type: datasheet
url: https://www.aubertduval.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_GB.pdf
year: 2024
- title: BS 2L97 2024-T351 Plate technical data sheet (AircraftMaterials UK stockist page)
type: datasheet
url: https://aircraftmaterials.com/data/aluminium/l97.html
- title: 'NASA TM-82393: Seacoast Stress Corrosion Cracking of Aluminum Alloys (Humphries and Nelson, Marshall Space Flight Center)'
type: report
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19810009639/downloads/19810009639.pdf
year: 1981
- title: 'Gamry literature database: Effect of applied tensile stress on intergranular corrosion of AA2024-T3'
type: paper
url: https://gamry.com/resources-2/literature-database/publication/263
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Aluminum'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Copper'
type: report
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
- title: 'USGS: About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals (final list)'
type: report
url: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/about-2025-list-critical-minerals
year: 2025
- title: Sigma-Aldrich copper safety data sheet, product 349178, version 4.0 (copy hosted by Harper College, revised 07/20/2010)
type: sds
url: https://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/msds1/Copper%20metal%20foil.pdf
year: 2010
- title: 'Alcoa SDS 1352: Aluminium sheet, coil and foil, bare and coated, version 04 (copy hosted by Purdue, revised May 31, 2015)'
type: sds
url: https://www.physics.purdue.edu/primelab/safety/MSDS/SDS/aluminum%20foil%20%20-%20Alcoa.pdf
year: 2015
- title: Kaiser Aluminum Rod & Bar Alloy 2024 technical data sheet (KA-RBH-2024-8.10)
type: datasheet
url: https://online.kaiseraluminum.com/depot/PublicProductInformation/Document/1022/Kaiser_Aluminum_2024_Rod_and_Bar.pdf
- title: 'Total Materia: DIN 3.1355 aluminium alloy page (cross-reference list)'
type: database
url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3000361
- title: 'Total Materia: JIS A 2024PC aluminium alloy page (cross-reference list)'
type: database
url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3012691
- title: 'EverySpec: QQ-A-250/4E Federal Specification, Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet (1971, cancelled)'
type: standard
url: https://everyspec.com/FED_SPECS/Q/QQ-A-250_4E_49813/
year: 1971
- title: 'SAE AMS4037R: Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate 4.4Cu - 1.5Mg - 0.60Mn (2024; -T3 Flat Sheet, -T351 Plate)'
type: standard
url: https://saemobilus.sae.org/content/AMS4037R
year: 2020
- title: 'SAE AMSQQA250/4A: Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet'
type: standard
url: https://saemobilus.sae.org/standards/amsqqa2504a-aluminum-alloy-2024-plate-sheet
year: 2010
gaps:
- No readable source gave strength values for the T3 sheet temper or the O (annealed) temper. A partssource listing gave 11,000 psi tensile and 19,000 psi yield for 2024-T3 sheet; these look wrong against general practice and were not used.
- Only typical values from the ASM copy (T4 record, marked NOT FOR DESIGN) and minimum limits from one stockist's copy of BS 2L97 for T351 plate were found. No design allowable from MMPDS, MIL-HDBK-5 or AMS 4037 was opened.
- The ASM copy's T4 table is not split by temper, although its title names T351. The values are kept under T4 with that caveat; no value is shown as T351 unless the BS 2L97 limits.
- Fracture toughness is recorded as fracture_toughness, a name not in the property canon.
- No cryogenic strength, elongation or toughness values at 77 K or 4 K were found in an open, readable source. The NIST cryogenic site was not reachable in a searchable form for 2024.
- No vacuum outgassing (TML and CVCM), atomic-oxygen, thermal-vacuum or flight result for 2024 was found. The NASA outgassing database was not searchable for an alloy-specific entry in this run.
- Galvanic corrosion data (coupling with more noble metals) for 2024 was not found in a readable source.
- 'Pitting and SCC mechanism work on AA2024-T3 that names S-phase (Al2CuMg) particles was not read: the MDPI 2021 paper returned HTTP 403 to both the fetch tool and curl, and the NSF public-access copy of the 2023 Corrosion Science paper could not be downloaded in this run. The Hashimoto 2016 dealloying paper was seen only in a reference list.'
- No protective coating or cladding data (Alclad, anodising, paint) for 2024 was read in this run.
- PubChem GHS data for aluminium and copper could not be read (the site served a bot-check page). The hazards use the Alcoa sheet SDS, which covers a product list that does not include 2024, and a 2010 copper SDS; later copper SDSs in the search results list H228, H400 and H410, and copper foil SDSs from other suppliers list no classification, so the copper hazard is supplier-specific.
- No 2024-specific SDS was opened. Dust and fume hazards from machining or welding 2024 were not found in a readable source.
- Supply of magnesium, manganese and copper as alloying elements beyond the USGS copper summary was not looked up. The EU critical raw materials list was not read in this run.
- The USGS 2025 critical minerals page returned HTTP 403 to curl; its list was read through a web fetch, so the verify script cannot read it.
- The ASM copy prints aluminium as 90.7 to 94.7 wt%, which does not match the stated remainder method; the figure is kept as printed.
- 'Designations: a plain JIS A2024 was not printed in any source read in this run. Total Materia lists A 2024T under JIS only as an implicit equivalent, so it was not added.'
- 'Designations: no Aalco 2024 datasheet was found. Aalco''s EN standards page lists 2024 only as a bare number in Alloy Group II, and its specifications page does not name 2024.'
- 'Designations: Constellium''s aerospace plates page does not name 2024, and no Constellium 2024 datasheet was found.'
- 'Designations: the titles of the AMS specs that Kaiser lists for 2024 rod and bar (AMS-QQ-A-225/6, AMS-QQ-A-200/3, AMS 4120, AMS 4339, AMS 4152, AMS 4164, AMS 4165) and of ASME SB211 were not read. The DIN 3.1355 and Alclad 2024 names come from Total Materia pages, not from the DIN or SAE texts.'
- 'Designations: the SAE page for AMSQQA250/4A (reaffirmed 2010, later revision B listed) and the EverySpec copy of QQ-A-250/4E (cancelled) disagree on status. Check the current status with SAE or the issuing body before relying on either.'
- 'Designations: the SAE AMS 4041H page (Alclad 2024) and the Continental Steel 2024-T351 page could not be read by curl (503 error and Cloudflare block). The Alclad 2024 name is taken from the Total Materia list only.'
- 'Designations: Total Materia also lists GOST 1160, UNE L-3140 and UNE Al-4Cu1Mg as implicit equivalents for this alloy. They were not added because they could not be checked against those standards.'
- 'Designations: temper names (2024-T4, 2024-T351, 2024-T3) are not added as designations, because they name a temper rather than another name for the alloy. The SAE AMS 4037R title gives -T3 Flat Sheet, and no T3 property value is in this profile.'
- 'Designations: KS A2024PC and ASME SB-221 2024 appear only on the Total Materia list. The page does not define the KS suffix, and it labels the SB-221 link Implicit, so neither was added.'
sources:
asm-2024:
title: 'ASM Material Data Sheet: Aluminum 2024-T4; 2024-T351 (printed copy, 12 May 2023; MatWeb record key ma2024t4)'
id: ASM/MatWeb ma2024t4; composition and data from the Aluminum Association, marked not for design
url: https://quickparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Aluminium-2024.pdf
year: 2023
kind: datasheet
license: MatWeb terms of use (cited, not reproduced)
aubert-2024:
title: 'Aubert and Duval datasheet: Aluminium alloy 2024 (Al Cu4Mg1, EN AW-2024, UNS A92024)'
id: Aubert and Duval 2024 datasheet, December 2024 upload
url: https://www.aubertduval.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024_GB.pdf
year: 2024
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
bs-l97-2024:
title: BS 2L97 2024-T351 Plate technical data sheet, AircraftMaterials UK stockist page
id: BS 2 L97 (British aerospace specification for 2024 plate); minimum limits as printed by the stockist
url: https://aircraftmaterials.com/data/aluminium/l97.html
kind: datasheet
license: stockist web page (cited, not reproduced)
nasa-tm82393:
title: 'NASA TM-82393: Seacoast Stress Corrosion Cracking of Aluminum Alloys (T. S. Humphries and E. E. Nelson, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center)'
id: NTRS 19810009639; NASA TM-82393; 1981
url: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19810009639/downloads/19810009639.pdf
year: 1981
kind: report
license: public domain (NASA)
gamry-igc-2024:
title: Effect of applied tensile stress on intergranular corrosion of AA2024-T3 (abstract, Gamry literature database, publication 263)
id: Gamry literature database entry 263; abstract only, authors and journal not shown on the page
url: https://gamry.com/resources-2/literature-database/publication/263
kind: web
license: publisher abstract (cited, not reproduced)
usgs-mcs2026-aluminum:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Aluminum
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-aluminum.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-mcs2026-copper:
title: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Copper
id: USGS MCS 2026, February 2026
url: https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-copper.pdf
year: 2026
kind: report
license: public domain (USGS)
usgs-crit2025:
title: About the 2025 List of Critical Minerals (USGS, final list)
id: Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals, November 2025
url: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/about-2025-list-critical-minerals
year: 2025
kind: web
license: public domain (USGS)
sigma-cu-sds:
title: Sigma-Aldrich copper safety data sheet, product 349178, version 4.0 (Harper College copy)
id: Sigma-Aldrich product 349178; revision date 07/20/2010; print date 08/31/2011
url: https://dept.harpercollege.edu/chemistry/msds1/Copper%20metal%20foil.pdf
year: 2010
kind: datasheet
license: supplier SDS (cited, not reproduced)
alcoa-al-sds:
title: 'Alcoa SDS 1352: Aluminium sheet, coil and foil, bare and coated (copy hosted by Purdue)'
id: Alcoa SDS number 1352, version 04, revision date May 31, 2015
url: https://www.physics.purdue.edu/primelab/safety/MSDS/SDS/aluminum%20foil%20%20-%20Alcoa.pdf
year: 2015
kind: datasheet
license: supplier SDS (cited, not reproduced)
wiki-aluminium-alloy:
title: 'Aluminium alloy (Wikipedia): wrought alloy composition table and 2000-series history'
id: Wikipedia, Aluminium alloy; used for composition cross-check and history only
url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_alloy
kind: web
license: CC-BY-SA-4.0 (cited, not reproduced)
kaiser-rod-bar-2024:
title: Kaiser Aluminum Rod & Bar Alloy 2024 technical data sheet (applicable specifications table)
id: Kaiser document code KA-RBH-2024-8.10
url: https://online.kaiseraluminum.com/depot/PublicProductInformation/Document/1022/Kaiser_Aluminum_2024_Rod_and_Bar.pdf
kind: datasheet
license: manufacturer datasheet (cited, not reproduced)
totalmateria-din-3-1355:
title: 'Total Materia: DIN 3.1355 aluminium alloy page (cross-reference list)'
id: Total Materia material page 3000361
url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3000361
kind: database
license: database page (cited, not reproduced)
totalmateria-jis-a2024pc:
title: 'Total Materia: JIS A 2024PC aluminium alloy page (cross-reference list)'
id: Total Materia material page 3012691; the page cites JIS H 4000:2022
url: https://www.totalmateria.com/en-us/material/3012691
kind: database
license: database page (cited, not reproduced)
everyspec-qq-a-250-4e:
title: 'EverySpec: QQ-A-250/4E Federal Specification, Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet (18 January 1971, status Cancelled)'
id: EverySpec QQ-A-250_4E
url: https://everyspec.com/FED_SPECS/Q/QQ-A-250_4E_49813/
year: 1971
kind: standard
license: standards catalogue page (cited, not reproduced)
sae-ams4037r:
title: 'SAE AMS4037R: Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate 4.4Cu - 1.5Mg - 0.60Mn (2024; -T3 Flat Sheet, -T351 Plate), Solution Heat Treated'
id: SAE AMS4037R, revised August 2020
url: https://saemobilus.sae.org/content/AMS4037R
year: 2020
kind: standard
license: SAE catalogue page (cited, not reproduced)
sae-amsqqa250-4a:
title: 'SAE AMSQQA250/4A: Aluminum Alloy 2024, Plate and Sheet (material specification page)'
id: SAE AMSQQA250/4A, reaffirmed May 2010
url: https://saemobilus.sae.org/standards/amsqqa2504a-aluminum-alloy-2024-plate-sheet
year: 2010
kind: standard
license: SAE catalogue page (cited, not reproduced)
license: CC-BY-4.0
updated: '2026-10-24'
review:
status: draft
method: assistant
checked_values: 24
unreachable: 4
caveats: 4
note: 'First write on 2026-10-24 from pages fetched in this run. Values were re-read from the printed ASM copy (Quickparts PDF), the Aubert and Duval PDF, the BS 2L97 stockist page, the USGS MCS 2026 aluminum and copper PDFs, NASA TM-82393, the Gamry abstract, the Harper-hosted Sigma-Aldrich copper SDS and the Purdue-hosted Alcoa SDS. The USGS critical minerals page was read by web fetch only. Unreachable: PubChem (bot-check page), MDPI 2021 AA2024-T3 paper (HTTP 403), NSF public-access paper (not downloadable), asm.matweb.com (not used). Caveats: the ASM values are typical and marked not for design; the BS 2L97 values are minimum limits from a stockist copy; the 1981 NASA SCC result rests on limited plate lots; the T4 record is not split by temper.'
story:
recipe:
line: 'Wrought Al-Cu-Mg alloy. Composition limits in wt% from the printed ASM datasheet: copper 3.8 to 4.9, magnesium 1.2 to 1.8, manganese 0.3 to 0.9, with silicon, iron, chromium, zinc and titanium at their maxima and aluminium the balance. The Aubert and Duval datasheet gives a nominal 4.4 Cu, 1.5 Mg and 0.6 Mn. Its heat treatment is solution treatment at 493 °C, water quench, then ageing to the required properties.'
parts:
- name: Aluminium
symbol: Al
share_note: balance (the ASM sheet prints 90.7 to 94.7 wt% and says the aluminium content is calculated as remainder)
role: The matrix of the alloy.
- name: Copper
symbol: Cu
share_percent: 3.8
share_high: 4.9
role: Main alloying element, nominal 4.4 wt% (Aubert and Duval). Wikipedia says 2000-series alloys alloyed with copper can be precipitation hardened to strengths comparable to steel.
- name: Magnesium
symbol: Mg
share_percent: 1.2
share_high: 1.8
role: Alloying addition, nominal 1.5 wt% (Aubert and Duval).
- name: Manganese
symbol: Mn
share_percent: 0.3
share_high: 0.9
role: Alloying addition, nominal 0.6 wt% (Aubert and Duval).
- name: Silicon
symbol: Si
share_note: max 0.5 wt%
role: Impurity limit set on the datasheet.
- name: Iron
symbol: Fe
share_note: max 0.5 wt%
role: Impurity limit set on the datasheet.
risk_groups:
- title: For people
lead: No 2024-specific safety data sheet was read. The SDSs cited are for a copper product and for an Alcoa aluminium sheet product, not for 2024 as supplied.
gap: Hazard classification for 2024 as supplied, and for dust or fumes from machining or welding, was not found in a source opened in this run.
points:
- label: Copper
line: A 2010 copper SDS gives H410, very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, with precautionary statement P273 (avoid release to the environment).
- label: Dust
line: The Alcoa SDS says the sheet and foil product may form combustible dust concentrations in air.
- title: If it fails
lead: Failure routes from a 1981 NASA test and an electrochemical study. They are test results, not field incident data.
points:
- label: Stress-corrosion cracking
line: 2024-T351 plate, stressed in the short transverse direction, failed after very short exposure in seacoast and salt-water tests. NASA rated the temper highly susceptible.
- label: Pitting
line: Pitting appeared in every test medium and was most severe and earliest in salt water. It can interfere with SCC test results.
- label: Intergranular attack under stress
line: In 1.0 M NaCl, tensile stress made attack on AA2024-T3 faster. Above the higher breakdown potential the attack was intergranular stress-corrosion cracking.
- title: Handling and storage
points:
- label: Read the SDS
line: Check the SDS for the exact product, alloy and form before cutting, grinding or welding.
- label: Protection
line: The sources opened give no protection data for 2024 (paint, cladding or anodising), so this profile does not recommend one.
why: Aluminium alloy 2024 is a wrought, heat-treatable aluminium alloy built on copper, with smaller amounts of magnesium and manganese. Wrought means it is worked into sheet, plate, bar or forgings by rolling, extruding or forging rather than cast to shape. The printed ASM and Aubert and Duval datasheets give a high-strength T4 record with a typical yield strength of 324 MPa and a density of 2.78 g/cc, and the BS 2L97 limits give minimum strengths for 2024-T351 plate. Its strength is set by heat treatment (solution treatment, quench and ageing). A temper is a code for that heat treatment and working, so this profile keeps the T4, forged and T351 plate values apart. The 1981 NASA seacoast test shows that the T351 temper is very susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking in short transverse specimens.
uses:
- where: Aerospace structural parts
line: The Aubert and Duval datasheet lists aerospace structural parts and components of assemblies as an application of 2024. The BS 2L97 datasheet says the alloy is commonly used on structures and components in the aircraft and transportation industries, because of its high strength and excellent fatigue resistance.
- where: Fittings, gears, shafts and fasteners
line: The printed ASM datasheet lists aircraft fittings, gears and shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, hydraulic valve bodies, pistons and worm gears among the uses of 2024.
can_do:
- label: Strength, T4 record
value: 324 MPa yield
line: In the T4 record of the ASM datasheet the typical tensile yield strength is 324 MPa and the typical ultimate tensile strength is 469 MPa, with 19 % elongation for a 1/2 inch specimen. These are typical values marked not for design.
- label: Strength, T351 plate minimums
value: 280 MPa minimum
line: For 2024-T351 plate of 6 to 25 mm in the LT direction, the BS 2L97 limits give a minimum 0.2 % proof stress of 280 MPa, a minimum tensile strength of 430 MPa and a minimum elongation of 10 %. For 40 to 115 mm the minimums are 270 MPa and 410 MPa, with 8 %.
- label: Weight and stiffness
value: 2.78 g/cc
line: Density is 2.78 g/cc and the modulus of elasticity, a measure of stiffness, is 73.1 GPa (ASM typical). The fatigue strength is 138 MPa after 500,000,000 cycles of completely reversed stress in an RR Moore test.
- label: Fracture toughness
value: 32 MPa-m½
line: The ASM datasheet gives a plane-strain fracture toughness of 32 MPa-m½ in the T-L direction, and 26 MPa-m½ in the S-L direction.
- label: Heat conduction
value: 121 W/m-K
line: Thermal conductivity is 121 W/m-K at 77 °F (ASM typical) and 120 W/(m·K) at 20 °C for the T4 condition (Aubert and Duval).
- label: Thermal expansion
value: 23.2 ppm/K
line: The mean linear expansion is 23.2 µm/m-°C between 68 and 212 °F (ASM typical), and 22.9 ppm/K between 20 and 100 °C (Aubert and Duval).
compare: The record supports only a limited comparison. The USGS says composites can substitute for aluminium in aircraft fuselages and wings, and composites, magnesium, steel and titanium can substitute in ground transportation. It says copper can replace aluminium in electrical and heat-exchange uses. This profile holds no strength-per-mass numbers for those alternatives, so it does not rank them.
compare_rows:
- label: Density
benchmark: density
- label: Yield strength
benchmark: yield_strength
- label: Thermal expansion
benchmark: cte
handling:
- Read the SDS for the exact product, alloy and form before cutting, grinding or welding.
- Avoid sustained tensile stress in chloride or seacoast exposure, since the 2024-T351 temper cracked quickly in the 1981 NASA test.
- Allow for pitting in salt water, which is most severe and earliest there.
good_for:
- High-strength structural parts. The ASM typical T4 yield strength is 324 MPa at 2.78 g/cc.
- Fatigue-loaded parts. The ASM typical fatigue strength is 138 MPa at 500,000,000 cycles, completely reversed (RR Moore).
- Aircraft fittings and structures, the uses named in the datasheets.
watch_out:
- Stress-corrosion cracking of 2024-T351 under sustained short transverse stress in seacoast or salt-water exposure (NASA 1981).
- Pitting in salt water, most severe and earliest there (NASA 1981).
- The ASM strengths are typical values marked NOT FOR DESIGN. The BS 2L97 values are minimum limits from one stockist's copy, not design allowables.
- No T3 sheet, O temper, cryogenic, outgassing or flight values were found in a readable source.
verdict: 2024 is a high-strength Al-Cu-Mg alloy with a record of use in aircraft structures and fittings in the sources cited. The sourced numbers are typical T4 values, forged T4 limits and BS 2L97 minimums for T351 plate, kept apart by temper and product form. Its clearest weakness in this record is stress-corrosion cracking of the T351 temper in seacoast and salt-water conditions, shown by the 1981 NASA test. T3 sheet, O temper and design-grade values remain open.
References
Every number above carries a reference number. Click one to see the source and where in it the value comes from.