What Are Uses of Aluminum Bulb Bar and Flat Bar in Shipbuilding

In the shipbuilding industry, material selection is crucial, directly impacting the performance, safety, and service life of a vessel. Bulb Bars and flat aluminum, two specialized forms of aluminum, play an indispensable role in the shipbuilding industry due to their unique alloying properties.

Bulb Bars.jpg

Aluminum oblate

Common bulb bar aluminum alloys, such as 5083 aluminum alloy, are non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys. Its primary alloying elements include magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr).

For example, 5083 typically contains 4.0%-4.9% magnesium, 0.4%-1.0% manganese, and 0.05%-0.25% chromium, with the balance being aluminum (Al). These alloying elements give bulbous aluminum excellent overall properties. Mg improves the alloy's strength and corrosion resistance; Mn enhances its workability and strength; and Cr enhances its resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

6082 is also a commonly used alloy in flat aluminum bulbs. 6082 is a heat-treatable aluminum alloy. Its primary alloying elements are silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg), with the Si content typically ranging from 0.7% to 1.3% and the Mg content from 0.6% to 1.0%. It also contains smaller amounts of manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). The Mg₂Si phase formed by Si and Mg is the primary strengthening phase, significantly increasing the alloy's strength.

Flat aluminum bar

Common alloys used for the aluminium bar flat include 6061 and 6086.

6061 aluminum alloy is a heat-strengthenable alloy. Its primary alloying elements are magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). The Mg content is generally between 0.8% and 1.2%, and the Si content is between 0.4% and 0.8%. It also contains small amounts of copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr). Copper improves the alloy's strength and heat resistance, while Cr improves its corrosion resistance and grain refinement.

6086 aluminum alloy is also a heat-strengthenable alloy. Its alloying element composition differs from 6061, with a Si content of 0.9% to 1.5%, a Mg content of 0.7% to 1.1%, and a Cu content of 0.15% to 0.4%. It also contains small amounts of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). The higher Si and Mg content contributes to its greater strength.

Specific Applications of Bulb bar and aluminum flat stock

Bulb aluminum

Hull structural reinforcement: It serves as hull plate reinforcement, enhancing overall hull strength and stability, preventing hull deformation from seawater pressure and external forces. Large vessels utilize vertically welded bulb-shaped aluminum for structural reinforcement. Specialized vessels like aircraft carriers utilize even greater quantities of bulb-shaped aluminum, reinforcing deck floors and sidewalls. Due to its high strength, 6082 bulb-shaped aluminum can be used for hull structural reinforcement in areas requiring higher strength.

Bilge Keel Manufacturing: It participates in the production of bilge keels to enhance the ship's roll stability, reduce the ship's swaying in wind and waves, and improve navigation safety. Aluminum oblate is often used in bilge keels for ships with high roll control requirements, such as passenger ships and research vessels.

Bulkhead Structures: It is used in ship interior bulkhead structures, dividing cabins and providing structural support to ensure the independence and safety of each compartment.

Flat Aluminum Bar

6061 Flat Aluminum Bar

Ship Interior Decoration: It is used for manufacturing ship interior decorative moldings, window frames, door frames, etc. Its machinability and surface treatment properties create an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable interior environment. It is widely used in luxury cruise ship interior decoration, enhancing the overall quality of the vessel.

Small Brackets and Frames: It is used for small supports on ships, such as equipment and pipe supports, as well as some small frame structures, due to its moderate strength and ease of fabrication.

6086 Flat Aluminum Bar

Small Structural Parts with High Loads: It is used in small structural parts on ships subject to high loads, such as connectors and load-bearing brackets for transmission mechanisms. Its high strength meets operational requirements.

Frames with High Strength Requirements: It is used in small frame structures requiring high strength, such as protective frames for certain equipment.

Load-Bearing Components: It is used as small load-bearing components, such as support components for movable platforms.


Original Source:https://www.marinealu.com/a/what-are-uses-of-aluminum-bulb-bar-and-flat-bar-in-shipbuilding.html

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