Pressure rating of 5052-0 Aluminum tubing

[hirthcoupling]

Would someone please advise me on the estimated allowable working pressure of 3/8 OD X 0.035 Wall thickness (Aluminum 5052-0 Material). I obtained this tubing from an aircraft supply house which states that it is suitable for medium pressure hydraulic systems.
Any insight on what type of airborne hydraulic systems it is typically used for would be most appreciated

Thank you,
Hirthcoupling

 

[MintJulep]

http://www.vickers-systems.com/pdfs/aeroquip/tube_bend_rule.pdf

 

[thruthefence]

I'd be a little worried about o-tempered anything in a hydraulic system on an aircraft.

 

[CoryPad]

A typical yield strength for 5052-O would be 13 000 psi. If you use a standard thin-walled pressure vessel equation to give a ballpark, then:

P = [σ] [·] t/r

P ~ 2 400 psi

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[hirthcoupling]

Thank you MintJulep, Thruthefence and Cory for the advice and insight.

Regards,
Hirthcoupling

 

[rb1957]

5052-O ! ... I wouldn't put it in an airplane i flow in !

cory's calculation is correct, but that shuldn't be viewed as the working pressure of the system ... what about pressure pulses, etc ?

what is the pressue of your system ?

can you get the tube heat treated after shaping, before installation ?

what does the OEM use ?

how are you getting the part approved ?

 

[berkshire]

rb1957 (Aerospace)
5052 is not a heat treatable alloy, but it does strain harden. It is used on a large number of light aircraft for tubing for wheel brake and gear retract hydraulic systems.
Here is a quote from one of the makers:-
"5052 is the highest strength alloy of the more common non heat-treatable grades.
In this "0" condition, the 5052 is soft and workable, for fuel line, hydraulic line, and brake line.
The ends are flared and fittings attached to make the type of line that you want.
Fatigue strength of 5052 is higher than most aluminum alloys."

Most light twins and singles with hydraulic retract systems work at under 2000 PSI.
B.E.

 

[rb1957]

thx berkshire,
i stand corrected ... learn something new everyday
(better go home now before i learn something else !)

 

[johnSchwaner]

"In hydraulic systems, 5052-O aluminum alloy tubing that conforms to Federal Specification WW-T-700/4 is used for reduced pressure (1,500 psi maximum) and return lines. For high-pressure lines (3,000 psi), MIL-T-7081 aluminum alloy tubing (6061) is in considerable use."


Per NAVAIR 01-1A-1
Engineering Handbook Series for Aircraft Repair
General Manual for Structural Repair

 

[MikeHalloran]

The subject tubing is appropriate for aircraft landing gear/ brake service only because:
- the duty cycle is very, very low
- the gear, at least, has a backup
- light weight is supremely important
- frequent inspections are conducted

It is _not_ appropriate for all, or most, hydraulic systems just because it's used in aircraft.







Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[johnSchwaner]

"suitable for medium pressure hydraulic systems" is incorrect. Medium pressure in aircraft includes 3,000 psi.*

For the correct application of 5050-0 AMS WW-T-700/4 in aircraft systems, reference MIL-H-5440



* Reference Parker/Stratoflex Aerospace Hose Catalog