Dec 20 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Forming Welding Forging Cold Working AnnealingApplications
Introduction
In 1801, vanadium was discovered by Andres Manuel del Rio. It has good corrosion resistance, high strength at high temperature, and low density. It is found in different kinds of mill forms. It has high hardness when compared to most of the steels and metals. It has high resistance to alkalis, hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. At a temperature of about 660°C, vanadium can be easily oxidized in air. It is usually found in carbon containing deposits that include coal, crude oil, tar sands, and oil shale.
The following sections give an overview of vanadium.
Physical Properties
The physical properties of vanadium are displayed in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
6.11 g/cm³ |
0.221 lb/in³ |
| Melting point |
1735°C |
3155°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of vanadium are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Tensile strength |
800 MPa |
116000 psi |
| Yield strength |
776 MPa |
113000 psi |
| Elastic modulus |
125.5 GPa |
18200 ksi |
| Poisson's ratio |
0.36 |
0.36 |
| Elongation at break (in 50 mm) |
2% |
2% |
| Hardness, Brinell (converted from Vickers. (3000 kg load)) |
165 |
165 |
| Hardness, Rockwell A (converted from Vickers) |
52 |
52 |
| Hardness, Rockwell B |
100 |
100 |
| Hardness, Vickers |
170 |
170 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of vanadium are highlighted in the following table.
| Thermal Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Thermal expansion co-efficient (@20-100°C/68-212°F) |
8.33 µm/m°C
| 4.63 µin/in°F |
| Thermal conductivity |
31 W/mK |
215 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Vanadium is successfully machined using high speed and carbide tooling.
Forming
At room temperature, vanadium can be easily formed. It has good forming properties.
Welding
Vanadium can be welded using TIG welding method if argon or helium is covered at front and back of a work piece. It should be prevented from being exposed outside because it can react with oxygen and nitrogen gases.
Forging
Forging of vanadium is done at room temperature due to its good low temperature ductility.
Cold Working
At room temperature, vanadium can be spun, swaged, blanked, and cold forged.
Annealing
Vanadium is annealed by recrystallizing at 888°C (1630°F).
Applications
Vanadium is mainly applied in parts having low density, good low temperature ductility, high strength at high temperatures, and good corrosion resistance in bad environments. It also finds applications in the following areas:
- Axles
- Crankshafts
- Bicycle frames
- Gears
- Nuclear reactors
- High speed air-frames
- Jet engines