Elektron™ 43- an Introduction to a New Aerospace Wrought Magnesium Alloy from an Engineer's Perspective

Elektron 43 is a new magnesium wrought alloy that has been developed to meet the increasing demand by aerospace design engineers to create light weight solutions in aircraft applications. The alloy is available in both extruded and plate forms.

The revival of magnesium alloys in aerospace applications comes at a time when the FAA and various aerospace specification committees are altering their previously restrictive stance on magnesium usage in aircraft interiors. The FAA is altering their limiting position regarding the use of magnesium in aircraft seats as a result of positive results following extensive flammability testing. To support the uptake of magnesium the SAE Aircraft Seat Committee are revising SAE Aerospace Specification 8049 to allow magnesium to used once again in aircraft seats.

Elektron 43 has recently obtained AMS specification and approval for inclusion in the MMPDS-08 handbook. An overview of the material will be presented from an engineering perspective and a comparison with other aerospace materials will be made in order to highlight the benefits of the application of magnesium in certain aerospace applications. This will include a summary of the material’s mechanical properties in the extruded and plate forms and contrasted to common aerospace aluminum alloys such as AA2024, AA6061, and AA7075.