Page 21 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book
P. 21

 Aluminium alloys are widely used in aircraft parts, from the fuselage to the engines. Light weight and resistance to corrosion are important factors.
brazing: a form of soldering, in which brass is used as the joining metal.
soldering: joining together two pieces of metal using solder, an alloy with a low melting point.
welding: fusing two pieces of metal together using heat.
 Aluminium foil, thin sheets that are readily used for packaging.
 Lightweight coin from China.
Saving weight and fuel with aluminium
Aluminium is one of the lightest metals. This means that it will take less energy
to move a piece of aluminium than, for example, a piece of steel of the same size. The saving in weight, and so in energy,
is especially important in transport. If
a steel container can be replaced by an aluminium alloy container, less fuel is needed to carry it, making the container cheaper to move.
The same is true of all the components of a vehicle. The engine block, the drive shafts, the radiator, the wheels and the body panels can all be made of aluminium alloys. The car thus weighs less and the fuel consumption improves. Unfortunately, the price also increases, which is why many vehicles are still made of steel.
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