Light Alloys

structural alloys based on aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and beryllium. They are characterized by a higher specific strength (strength/density ratio) than, for example, iron-based or nickel-based structural alloys. Thus, for identical tensile strength (~450 meganewtons per sq m), Duralumin is three times lighter than boiler plate—that is, its specific strength is about three times greater.

Light alloys are widely used in aircraft and rocket design, shipbuilding, transportation engineering, instrument-making, automotive engineering, chemical apparatus design, electrical engineering, civil construction, and nuclear power engineering, as well as in the production of consumer goods.