Manufacturing Engineering & Technology
Manufacturing Engineering & Technology
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780133128741
Author: Serope Kalpakjian, Steven Schmid
Publisher: Prentice Hall
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 6, Problem 1RQ

Given the abundance of aluminum in the Earth’s crust, explain why it is more expensive than steel.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
To determine

Given the abundance of aluminum in the Earth’s crust, explain why it is more expensive than steel

Explanation of Solution

Aluminum, being an abundant metallic element, makes up about 8% of the Earth’s crust.

Bauxite serves as the principal ore for aluminum, and is a hydrous (water-containing) aluminum oxide containing various other oxides.

At first, clay and dirt is washed off from the ore. Then the ore is crushed into powder and treated with hot caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove the remaining impurities. Next, extraction of alumina (aluminum oxide) takes place from this solution which is dissolved in a molten sodium-fluoride and aluminum-fluoride bath at a temperature of about 940◦ to 980◦C (1725◦ to 1800◦F).

 Then, direct-current electrolysis of this mixture is performed. Aluminum metal is formed at the cathode (negative pole), and oxygen is gathered at the anode (positive pole). Commercially, 99.99% pure aluminum can be obtained. Aluminum production consumes a lot of electricity which affects its cost in comparison to steel.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
With the aid of diagrams describe the difference between latent and sensible heat for two different materials: one with a low specific heat capacity and one with a much larger specific heat capacity.
Explain how the properties and structure of different given engineering materials affect their behaviour in given engineering applications 1) Machinery such as farm equipment and packaging machines uses shear pins made from high carbon steel to prevent overload if something becomes jammed. Explain the reasons for choosing this material.   2) Titanium alloy (code Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo) is widely used for aircraft engine components and chemical plant equipment. Explain why it performs well in conditions of high stress and high temperature. For each answer you must explain how the properties and structure of the material affect its performance. - include diagrams if appropriate
Explain the properties and structure of plain carbon steel.

Chapter 6 Solutions

Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Mechanical Engineering
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, mechanical-engineering and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Welding: Principles and Applications (MindTap Cou...
Mechanical Engineering
ISBN:9781305494695
Author:Larry Jeffus
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Alloy & their Properties | Properties of Matter | Chemistry | FuseSchool; Author: FuseSchool - Global Education;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgUmNQD6m5Q;License: Standard Youtube License