Aerospace Materials and Material Technologies, Volume 1: Aerospace Material Technologies

Abstract

This chapter starts with a brief overview of the historical development of aerospace aluminium alloys. This is followed by a listing of a range of current alloys with a description of the alloy classification system and the wide range of tempers in which Al alloys are used. A description is given of the alloying and precipitation hardening behaviour, which is the principal strengthening mechanism for Al alloys. A survey of the mechanical properties, fatigue behaviour and cor- rosion resistance of Al alloys is followed by a listing of some of the typical aerospace applications of Al alloys. The Indian scenario with respect to production of primary aluminium and some aerospace alloys, and the Type Certification pro- cess of Al alloys for aerospace applications are described. Finally there is a critical review of some of the gaps in existing aerospace Al alloy technologies. Keywords