The ignition temperature of Mg alloys WE43, AZ31 and AZ91

A simple furnace test explored ignition of three Mg alloys. WE43 had the highest ignition temperature (644 °C) compared with 628 °C for AZ31 and 600 °C for AZ91. Tests to measure the ignition temperature appear to be highly controlled. However, this appearance is deceptive because the ignition temperature depends on test details. Flame tests appear to be able to allow direct study of the behaviour in a flame and so appear to be a good approach to study the behaviour Mg alloys in an aircraft fire accident.

► A simple furnace test explored the ignition of Mg alloys.
► The ignition temperature for Mg alloys is dependant on the test details.
► Flame tests appear to allow direct study of the behaviour of a Mg alloy in a flame.