Beam Stiffener Material 1

[jimrcasper]

I am trying to reinforce an aluminum member with steel to control deflection. I do not have enough room to add enough steel to meet the deflection criteria. Does anyone now of a higher modulus material that is readily available in barstock? I have looked into tungsten wihout much luck. Thanks for your help.

 

[NickE]

I know how to answer you:

http://www.matweb.com/search/GetProperty.asp

(Use MatWeb, Use a property search, Metals, modulus >250)

 

[jimrcasper]

I am looking for readily available materials that is available in a minimum 5 foot length,and does not cost too much more that steel. Do you know of any materials that meets these requirements?

 

[NickE]

NO, there arnt any. Considering that low alloy steel is just about as stiff as any other steel and costs less than $0.50/lb. You are in the "up a creek w/o a paddle".

Or as I often say to people sure I can spec. unobtainium, just tell me where to buy it.

You will have to get your stiffness through geometry.

 

[rnd2]

jimrcasper , it might help if you could elaborate a little more, eg application, shape, dimensions, amount of deflection permitted etc.

 

[EdStainless]

Graphite epoxy composites can be made with significantly higher modulus than steel, in one particular direction.
It won't be cheap, but less money and weight than W.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion, every where, all the time.
Manage it or it will manage you.

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[BillPSU]

Change the shape of the aluminum member. Aluminum I-beams are available as a standard or rectangular tube. If your only solution is to reinforce the beam use a similar material to avoid galvanic corrosion.

 

[Ron]

Jimcasper....almost anything you stick with the aluminum will eventually be a corrosion issue, so stick with trying to modify the aluminum by shape or by material addition with the same or similar alloy.