High Strength Corrosion Resistance Aluminum Plate 5083 For Spacecraft Fuel Tanks

5083 aluminum alloy sheet belong to Al-Mg series alloy. It is the highest strength corrosion-resistant

alloy among practical non-heat-treated alloys. 5083 aluminum plate has good resistance to seawater

and low temperature characteristics. So, 5083 aluminum plate has becomethe most suitable choice

for marine grade aluminum alloy.

Typical Thickness

Spacecraft fuel tanks require a balance of lightweight design, strength, and leak-proof performance.

The commonly used thickness ranges for 5083 aluminum alloy are:

♦ Thin sheets (0.5–3 mm): Used for tank liners or secondary structures requiring high formability.

♦ Medium plates (3–8 mm): Main load-bearing structures or tank walls, balancing strength and weldability.

♦ Thick sections (8–15 mm): High-pressure fuel tanks or critical joint areas.

Common Tempers

O : Best formability, ideal for deep-drawing complex tank shapes, but requires post-forming strengthening.

H116/H321:

H116: Stress-corrosion-resistant, suitable for long-term fuel exposure.

H321: Thermally stabilized, maintains post-weld properties for high-pressure tanks.

H34 (Half-hard): Used when moderate strength and formability are needed.

Physical properties for 5083 aluminum alloy

Key Advantages

♦ Superior Cryogenic Performance:

Retains high toughness at liquid hydrogen (-253°C) and oxygen (-183°C) temperatures without

embrittlement.

♦ Fuel Compatibility:

Resistant to aviation fuels (e.g., RP-1), hydrazine, and oxidizers (e.g., LOX).

♦ Lightweight:

Density ~2.7 g/cm³ (1/3 of steel), reducing launch mass and improving payload efficiency.

♦ Weldability:

Compatible with TIG, laser, and friction stir welding (FSW), with weld joint efficiency ≥90%.

♦ Fatigue Resistance:

Low crack propagation rate under cyclic loading, ideal for reusable spacecraft (e.g., rockets).