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Aluminum 2198-T8511

Precip hard

AA 2198 · UNS A92198

T8511 = extruded, stretched and artificially aged

Extruded stringers and stiffeners in peak-aged condition where straightness and low residual stress matter.

High cost $$$$

Values for the T8511 condition

Other 2198 tempers and conditions

2198 is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at 2198.

Compare all 8 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Annealed
Softest condition for severe forming or intermediate processing; must be re-solution treated and aged for service strength.1302502270 HB35 % IACS
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Unstretched naturally aged condition used for formed details before final artificial ageing.23036022100 HB23 % IACS
Solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged
Formable sheet condition for skins that will be stretch-formed or bent, then optionally aged to T8.27039520110 HB23 % IACS
T3, stress relieved by stretching
Low-residual-stress plate for machined parts that will be aged after rough machining, or used as-is for high-toughness applications.28040518115 HB23 % IACS
Solution treated, ~1 % cold worked and artificially aged
Thin-gauge variant of the aged temper where only light stretching is applied; slightly lower strength, better flatness.41547010142 HB28 % IACS
T8Default
Solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged
Standard supply condition for 2198 fuselage/skin sheet: peak-strength, damage-tolerant, corrosion-stable.43048011145 HB28 % IACS
T8, stress relieved by stretching
Peak-aged, low-residual-stress plate for machined ribs, floor beams and integrally machined panels.4505008152 HB29 % IACS
T8511This page
Extruded, stretched and artificially aged
Extruded stringers and stiffeners in peak-aged condition where straightness and low residual stress matter.4705108155 HB29 % IACS

What is 2198-T8511?

2198-T8511 is 2198 in the T8511 condition — extruded stringers and stiffeners in peak-aged condition where straightness and low residual stress matter. 2198-T8511 has a yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 93% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 77 GPa (11.2 Msi). 2198-T8511 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F). T8 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T8511 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • High strength — 470 MPa (68.2 ksi), better than 93% of aluminum grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 30 MPa·√m (27.3 ksi·√in), better than 76% of aluminum grades

Limitations

  • Poor heat conductor — 103 W/m·K (59.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of aluminum grades
  • Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
  • Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades

2198-T8511 properties

Typical room-temperature values for 2198-T8511; 20 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 2198 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

2198-T8511 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F).

Density2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)560°C1,040 °F
Liquidus Temperature645°C1,193 °F

Mechanical14

2198-T8511 has a yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 93% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 8% and the elastic modulus is 77 GPa (11.2 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus77 GPa11.2 Msi
Shear Modulus29 GPa4.2 Msi
Bulk Modulus74 GPa10.7 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)510 MPa74 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)470 MPa68.2 ksi
Elongation at Break8%
Compressive Strength480 MPa69.6 ksi
Shear Strength305 MPa44.2 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)160 MPa23.2 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell155 HB
Hardness, Rockwell B84 HRB
Hardness, Vickers165 HV

Thermal6

2198-T8511 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 103 W/m·K (59.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 92% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23 µm/m·K (12.8 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity103 W/m·K59.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)120°C248 °F
Min Service Temperature-253°C-423 °F

Electrical3

2198-T8511 conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity29 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity5.95×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.34 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is fair (46/100), worse than 59% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.73 V
Corrosion ResistanceFair46/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in neutral atmospheres and fuels; attacked by strong acids/alkalis and by chlorides (pitting/IGC). Copper and lithium content make bare surfaces prone to galvanic attack against steel/CFRP fasteners — clad, anodize or prime.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 2198-T8511 takes about 215 MJ of energy and emits 13.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)215 MJ/kg92,433 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)13.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content5%

Manufacturability8

2198-T8511's machinability is good (62/100, better than 55% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (30/100); formability poor (28/100).

MachinabilityGood62/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)57%
WeldabilityPoor30/100
Formability (cold)Poor28/100
CastabilityPoor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor15/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsefair to good — chromic/tartaric-sulfuric anodizing used in aerospace primer systems; Li and Cu produce darker, less uniform films than 6000 series and decorative bright anodizing is not recommended

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 2198-T8511

Is 2198 easy to machine?

Machines like a hard 2000 series: sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, generous coolant; T8/T851 gives good chip control, but keep Li-bearing fines wet and segregated from other Al swarf.

Can 2198 be welded?

Not recommended for conventional MIG/TIG (hot cracking, Li oxidation); friction stir welding and laser beam welding with 4047/4000-series-type filler are the qualified joining routes, otherwise rivet/bolt.

Can 2198 be formed, bent or molded?

Form in T3/T4/O; T8 has limited bend ductility and pronounced planar anisotropy, so orient blanks to rolling direction and allow generous bend radii.

What surface finishes work on 2198?

Standard aerospace chain: alkaline clean, deoxidize, tartaric-sulfuric or chromic anodize, chromate-free conversion coat plus epoxy primer; avoid bare contact with steel or CFRP without sealant.

2198 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cu2.9 – 3.53.2
Liprincipal density-reducing / modulus-raising addition0.8 – 1.10.95
Mg0.25 – 0.80.5
Agpromotes fine T1 precipitation0.1 – 0.50.3
Zrgrain-structure control0.04 – 0.180.11
Mn≤ 0.5—
Zn≤ 0.35—
Ti≤ 0.1—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.08—
Others (each)≤ 0.05—
Others (total)≤ 0.15—
Albalance—

2198-T8511 — frequently asked

What is 2198-T8511 used for?

2198-T8511 is typically used for fuselage skin, aerospace sheet structure, laser-welded stiffened skin panels, lower wing skin panels, formed frames and clips and extruded stringers for welded panels. In short: most formable Al-Li sheet here; weight saving over 2024; laser and FSW weldable.

What is the yield strength of 2198-T8511?

2198-T8511 has a typical yield strength of 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) — stronger than 93% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.

Is 2198-T8511 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (62/100, better than 55% of aluminum grades). Machines like a hard 2000 series: sharp polished-flute carbide, high speed, generous coolant; T8/T851 gives good chip control, but keep Li-bearing fines wet and segregated from other Al swarf.

Can 2198-T8511 be welded?

Not readily — weldability is rated poor (30/100). Not recommended for conventional MIG/TIG (hot cracking, Li oxidation); friction stir welding and laser beam welding with 4047/4000-series-type filler are the qualified joining routes, otherwise rivet/bolt.

What surface finishes work on 2198-T8511?

Standard aerospace chain: alkaline clean, deoxidize, tartaric-sulfuric or chromic anodize, chromate-free conversion coat plus epoxy primer; avoid bare contact with steel or CFRP without sealant.

Can 2198-T8511 be formed, bent or molded?

Form in T3/T4/O; T8 has limited bend ductility and pronounced planar anisotropy, so orient blanks to rolling direction and allow generous bend radii.

What is the maximum service temperature of 2198-T8511?

2198-T8511 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.

What is the difference between 2198-T8 and 2198-O?

T8 is the default condition — standard supply condition for 2198 fuselage/skin sheet: peak-strength, damage-tolerant, corrosion-stable. O: softest condition for severe forming or intermediate processing; must be re-solution treated and aged for service strength. Yield strength is 430 MPa in T8 versus 130 MPa in O.

Sources

  1. International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
  2. AIRWARE 2198 sheet/plate technical data — Constellium (2021)
  3. ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  4. MMPDS — Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization (Al-Li chapters) — Battelle/FAA (2023)
  5. AMS 4472 / AMS 4473 — Aluminum-Lithium alloy sheet and plate — SAE International (2019)

Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.