Aluminum-Lithium Alloys in Aircraft Structures

Abstract

Al-Li alloys are the focus of attention in the aviation industry with their high modulus of elasticity, high hardness, high fatigue crack growth resistance, and low density. These specially designed alloys are used in fuselage, fuselage beam, lower wing, and upper wing structures in aircraft. The use of Al–Li alloys is thought to be extended to different sections in aircraft due to the effort of weight reduction. However, various drawbacks are encountered in either the production or material properties of these alloys. In this chapter, the progressive advantages and disadvantages of Al–Li alloys that are used in aviation are explained. Historical development, aviation usage, microstructural properties, processing metallurgy, corrosion, and mechanical properties of Al–Li alloys are expressed.