Aluminum: The 20th Century Metal

J.M. Syken

Course Outline

Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1940s/50s, we will gain an insightful knowledge and understanding/appreciation of the metal Aluminum. We’ll examine the raw material Bauxite from which it is derived and how it is transformed via complex processes into Alumina – a fine white powder, and then into metal form as Aluminum Alloy.

The critical role Aluminum played during WWII in aircraft production will be examined as well as the physical properties of the crystal-lattice “unit cell” structure of Aluminum Alloy and hardening via the “cold-working” process. Also, the variety of textures achievable via mechanical, chemical and electro-chemical processes will be discussed.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Understand/appreciate the raw material Bauxite from which Aluminum is derived;
• Understand/appreciate the complex processes by which the raw material Bauxite is transformed into Alumina and then into Aluminum;
• Understand/appreciate the critical role Aluminum played in aircraft production during WWII and how shortages of raw material and/or processing facilities were resolved;
• Understand/appreciate the physical characteristics/properties of the Aluminum Allot crystalline structure and the cold-working hardening process;
• Understand/appreciate the variety of textures and finishes applicable to Aluminum; and
• Understand/appreciate the many product applications for Aluminum.

Intended Audience

This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.

Benefit to Attendees

The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the raw material extraction, production, strategic importance, physical properties, finishes and uses of the metal Aluminum.

Course Introduction

The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;

• Part 1 – Overview: Mining/Manufacture/Products
• Part 2 – Strategic Material During Wartime
• Part 3 – Physical Properties/Hardening
• Part 4 – Finishes: Mechanical/Chemical/Electro-Chemical

Part 1 examines the raw material from which Aluminum is derived, processing to form raw Aluminum and finish product applications. Part 2 examines Aluminum’s role as a strategic material during wartime and how the need for vast quantities for aircraft production during WWII was met. Part 3 examines the microscopic structure of the Aluminum Alloy and how it lends itself to hardening via “cold-working.” Part 4 examines the mechanical, chemical and electro-chemical processes for finishing and/or texturing finish Aluminum Alloy products.

Course Content

Part 1 – Overview: Mining/Manufacture/Products;
TITLE: Aluminum on the March (1956)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0583_Aluminum_on_the_March
DURATION: 27:50
Part 2 – Strategic Material During Wartime;
TITLE: Aluminum  (1941)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.38661
DURATION: 09:47
Part 3 – Physical Properties/Hardening;
TITLE: Heat Treatment of Aluminum (1945)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.ntis.ava12784vnb1
DURATION: 23:05
Part 4 – Finishes: Mechanical/Chemical/Electro-Chemical;
TITLE: Dateline Tomorrow (ca.1946)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/DatelineTomorrow
DURATION: 18:30

Course Summary

The role Aluminum played in the technological developments/advancements of the 20th Century would fill volumes of books. Light, strong, an excellent conductor of heat, cold and electricity, easily worked and finished/textured, it became both the engineers’ and designers’ choice metal by mid-century. When it was in short supply during WWII, obtaining the Bauxite from which it is made and creating from scratch the facilities to process it into aircraft wings, fuselages etc. became a national priority. Aluminum seemed to come of age in the post-WWII era. It’s smooth, sleek mirror-like natural finish seemed to reflect in its surface the very essence of the space age.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLoAo3mkOhg
(Film: How Stuff Works - Aluminum - 42:35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU3Go05_Kxg
(Film: How Aluminum Built the Modern World [Modern Marvels] - 43:31)

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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