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MMPDS-11
1 July 2016

2.4 INTERMEDIATE ALLOY STEELS

2.4.0 Comments on Intermediate Alloy Steels — The intermediate alloy steels in this
section are those steels that are substantially higher in alloy content than the alloy steels described in
Section 2.3, but lower in alloy content than the stainless steels. Typical of the intermediate alloy steels is the
5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel and the 9Ni-4Co series of steels.

2.4.0.1 Metallurgical Considerations — The alloying elements added to these steels are
similar to those used in the lower alloy steels and, in general, have the same effects. The difference lies in
the quantity of alloying additions and the extent of these effects. Thus, higher chromium contents provide
improved oxidation resistance. Additions of molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, together with the
chromium, provide deep air-hardening properties and improve the elevated temperature strength by retarding
the rate of tempering at high temperatures. Additions of nickel to nonsecondary-hardening steels lower the
transition temperature and improve low-temperature toughness.

2.4.1 5CR-MO-V

2.4.1.0 Comments and Properties — Alloy 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel exhibits high strength
in the temperature range up to 1000EF. Its characteristics also include air hardenability in thick sections;
consequently, little distortion is encountered in heat treatment. This steel is available either as air-melted or
consumable electrode vacuum-melted quality, although only consumable electrode vacuum-melted quality
is recommended for aerospace applications.

The heat treatment recommended for this steel consists of heating to 1850EF ± 50EF, holding 15 to
25 minutes for sheet or 30 to 60 minutes for bar depending on section size, cooling in air to room
temperature, tempering three times by heating to the temperature specified in Table 2.4.1.0(a) for the
strength level desired, holding at temperature for 2 to 3 hours, and cooling in air.

Table 2.4.1.0(a). Tempering Temperatures for 5Cr-Mo-V Aircraft Steel

Ftu, ksi Temperature, EF Hardness, Rc
280 1000 ± 10 54-56
260 1030 ± 10 52-54
240 1050 ± 10 49-52
220 1080 ± 10 46-49

Material specifications for 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel are presented in Table 2.4.1.0(b). The room
temperature mechanical and physical properties are shown in Tables 2.4.1.0(c) and 2.4.1.0(d). The
mechanical properties are for 5Cr-Mo-V steel heat treated to produce a structure containing 90 percent or
more martensite at the center prior to tempering
.
Table 2.4.1.0(b). Material Specifications for 5Cr-Mo-V Aircraft Steel
Specification Form
AMS 6437 Sheet, strip, and plate (air melted)
AMS 6487 Bar and forging (CEVM)

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The room temperature properties of 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel are affected by extended exposure to
temperatures near or above the tempering temperature. The limiting temperature to which the alloy may be
exposed for extended periods without significantly affecting its room temperature properties may be
estimated at 100EF below the tempering temperature for the desired strength level. The effect of temperature
on the physical properties is shown in Figure 2.4.1.0.

Figure 2.4.1.0. Effect of temperature on the physical properties of 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft

steel.

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Table 2.4.1.0(c). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of 5Cr-Mo-V Aircraft Steel
Bar and Forging
Specification.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMS 6487a
Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bars and forgings
Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quenched and tempered
Cross-sectional area, in.2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b,c
d
Basis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S Sd Sd
Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 260b ...
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 260c 280
Fty, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 215b ...
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 215c 240
Fcy, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 234 260
Fsu, ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 156 168
Fbru, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 435 465
Fbry, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 333 365
e, percent:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 8b 7
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
RA, percent:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 30b ...
T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 6c ...
E, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.0
Ec, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.0
G, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.0
ì.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.36
Physical Properties:
ù, lb/in.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.281
C, Btu/(lb)(EF).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.11 (32EF)e
K and á. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Figure 2.4.1.0
Last Revised: Apr-2009, MMPDS–04CN1, Item 08-16
a Mechanical properties are based on AMS 6485 and also met AMS 6488.
b Longitudinal properties applicable to cross-sectional area #25 sq. in.
c Transverse properties applicable only to product sufficiently large to yield tensile specimens not less than 4.50 inches in
length.
d Design values are applicable only to parts for which the indicated Ftu has been substantiated by adequate quality control
testing.
e Calculated value.

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Table 2.4.1.0(d). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of 5Cr-Mo-V Aircraft Steel
Sheet, Strip, and Plate
Specification.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMS 6437
Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheet, strip, and plate
Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quenched and tempered
Thickness, in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Basis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sa Sa Sa
Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 260 280
Fty, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 220 240
Fcy, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 240 260
Fsu, ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 156 168
Fbru, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 435 465
Fbry, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 340 365
e, percent:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ...
LT, in 2 inchesb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5 4
LT, in 1 inch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7 6
E, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.0
Ec, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.0
G, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.0
ì.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.36
Physical Properties:
ù, lb/in.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.281
C, Btu/(lb)(EF).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.11c (32EF)
K and á. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Figure 2.4.1.0
a Design values are applicable only to parts for which the indicated Ftu has been substantiated by adequate quality control
testing.
b For sheet thickness greater than 0.050 inch.
c Calculated value.

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2.4.1.1 Heat-Treated Condition — The effect of temperature on various mechanical

properties for heat-treated 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel is presented in Figures 2.4.1.1.1(a) through 2.4.1.1.4.

Figure 2.4.1.1.1(a). Effect of temperature on the ultimate tensile strength (Ftu) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

Figure 2.4.1.1.1(b). Effect of temperature on the tensile yield strength (Fty) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.
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Figure 2.4.1.1.2(a). Effect of temperature on the compressive yield strength (Fcy) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

Figure 2.4.1.1.2(b). Effect of temperature on the ultimate shear strength (Fsu) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

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Figure 2.4.1.1.3(a). Effect of temperature on the ultimate bearing strength (Fbru) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

Figure 2.4.1.1.3(b). Effect of temperature on the bearing yield strength (Fbry) of

5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

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Figure 2.4.1.1.4. Effect of temperature on the tensile and compressive moduli (E and
Ec) of 5Cr-Mo-V aircraft steel.

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2.4.2 9NI-4CO-0.20C

2.4.2.0 Comments and Properties — The 9Ni-4Co-0.20C alloy was developed specifically
to have excellent fracture toughness, excellent weldability, and high hardenability when heat-treated to 190
to 210 ksi ultimate tensile strength. The alloy can be readily welded in the heat-treated condition with pre-
and post-heat usually not required. The alloy is through hardening in section sizes up to at least 8 inches
thick. The alloy may be exposed to temperatures up to 900EF (approximately 100EF below typical tempering
temperature) without microstructural changes, which degrade room temperature strength.

The heat treatment for this alloy consists of normalizing at 1650EF ± 25EF for 1 hour per inch of
cross section, cooling in air to room temperature, heating to 1525EF ± 25EF for 1 hour per inch of cross
section, quenching in oil or water, hold at -100EF ± 20EF for 2 hours within 2 hours after quenching, and
double tempering at 1035EF ± 10EF for 2 hours.

A material specification for 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel is presented in Table 2.4.2.0(a). Room temperature
mechanical and physical properties are shown in Table 2.4.2.0(b). The effect of temperature on thermal
expansion is shown in Figure 2.4.2.0.

Table 2.4.2.0(a). Material Specification for

9Ni-4Co-0.20C Steel
Specification Form
AMS 6523 Sheet, strip, and plate

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Table 2.4.2.0(b). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of 9Ni-4Co-0.20C Steel

Plate
Specification.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMS 6523
Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plate
Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quenched and tempered
Thickness, in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <0.250 $0.250
Basis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sa Sa
Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 186
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 190
Fty, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 173
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 175
Fcy, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 188
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 187
Fsu, ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 114
Fbru, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ...
Fbry, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ...
(e/D = 2.0). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ...
e, percent:
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 10
RA, percent:
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 45
E, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.8
Ec, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.8
G, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1
ì.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30
Physical Properties:
ù, lb/in.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.283
C, Btu/(lb)(EF).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
K, Btu/[(hr)(ft2)(EF)/ft]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.2 (75EF)
á, 10-6 in./in./EF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Figure 2.4.2.0
a Design values are applicable only to parts for which the indicated Ftu has been substantiated by adequate quality control
testing.

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Figure 2.4.2.0. Effect of temperature on the thermal expansion of 9Ni-4Co-0.20C

steel.

2.4.2.1 Heat-Treated Condition — Effect of temperature on various mechanical properties

is presented in Figures 2.4.2.1.1, 2.4.2.1.2, and 2.4.2.1.4. Typical tensile stress-strain curves at room and
elevated temperatures are shown in Figure 2.4.2.1.6(a). Typical compression stress-strain and tangent-
modulus curves are presented in Figure 2.4.2.1.6(b).

Figure 2.4.2.1.1. Effect of temperature on the tensile ultimate strength (Ftu) and
tensile yield strength (Fty) of 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel plate.

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Figure 2.4.2.1.2. Effect of temperature on the compressive yield strength (Fcy) and the
shear ultimate strength (Fsu) of 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel plate.

Figure 2.4.2.1.4. Effect of temperature on the tensile and compressive moduli (E

and Ec) of 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel plate.

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Figure 2.4.2.1.6(a). Typical tensile response through yield for 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel
plate at various temperatures.

Figure 2.4.2.1.6(b). Typical compressive stress-strain and compressive tangent-

modulus response through yield for 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel plate at various
temperatures.

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2.4.3 9Ni-4Co-0.30C

2.4.3.0 Comments and Properties — The 9Ni-4Co-0.30C alloy was developed specifically
to have high hardenability and good fracture toughness when heat treated to 220 to 240 ksi ultimate tensile
strength. The alloy is through hardening in section sizes up to 4 inches thick. The alloy may be exposed to
temperatures up to 900EF (approximately 100EF below typical tempering temperature) without
microstructural changes which degrade room temperature strength. This grade must be formed and welded
in the annealed condition. Preheat and post-heat of the weldment is required. The steel is produced by
consumable electrode vacuum melting.

The heat treatment for this alloy consists of normalizing at 1650EF ± 25EF for 1 hour per inch of
cross section, cooling in air to room temperature, heating to 1550EF ± 25EF for 1 hour per inch of cross
section but not less than 1 hour, quenching in oil or water, subzero treating at -100EF for 1 to 2 hours, and
double tempering at 975EF ± 10EF (sheet, strip, and plate) or 1000EF ± 10EF (bars, forgings, and tubings)
for 2 hours.

Material specifications for 9Ni-4Co-0.30C steel are presented in Table 2.4.3.0(a). The room
temperature mechanical and physical properties are shown in Table 2.3.4.0(b). The effect of temperature on
thermal expansion is shown in Figure 2.4.3.0.

Table 2.4.3.0(a). Material Specifications for 9Ni-4Co-0.30C Steel

Specification Form
AMS 6526 Bar, forging, and tubing

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Table 2.4.3.0(b). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of 9Ni-4Co-0.30C Steel

Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMS 6526
Form.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bar, forging, and tubing
Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quenched and tempered
Thickness, in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #4.000
Basis.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sa
Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Fty, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Fcy, ksi:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Fsu, ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Fbru, ksib:
(e/D = 1.5).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
(e/D = 2.0).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
Fbry, ksib:
(e/D = 1.5).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
(e/D = 2.0).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
e, percent:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
RA, percent:
L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
LT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
E, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.5
Ec, 103 ksi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.8
G, 103 ksi.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
ì. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
Physical Properties:
ù, lb/in.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.28
C, Btu/(lb)(EF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
K, Btu/[(hr)(ft2)(EF)/ft]. . . . . . . . . . . 13.3 (75EF)
á, 10-6 in./in./EF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . See Figure 2.4.3.0
a Design values are applicable only to parts for which the indicated Ftu has been substantiated by adequate quality control
testing.
b Bearing values are “dry pin” values per Section 1.4.7.1.

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