Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To produce an aluminum alloy rolled thin sheet product having the combination of improved fatigue crack growing resistance, improved strength and fracture toughness and useful for the use for aerospace such as the airframe of aircraft and to provide its production method. SOLUTION: This aluminum alloy rolled thin sheet product has a microstructure specified by crystal grains having the average aspect ratio of the average length to width higher than about 4:1. By the control of the alloy composition, the limitation of the parameters in rolling and heat treatment, their combination or the like respectively as for an aluminum-copper-based alloy, an aluminum-magnesium-based alloy, an aluminum-magnesium-silicon-based alloy and an aluminum-zinc-based alloy, the prescribed aspect ratio, the microstructure having high anisotropy and improved quality characteristics are realized. More concretely, for developing a desired amount of precipitates, the composition of the alloy, the rolling method and the heat treating method are controlled.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a method for artificially aging 7000 Series Al aerospace alloys to impart improved strength and/or corrosion resistance performance thereto. The method purposefully adds a second aging step or stage to a one-step tempering, or a third step/stage to a low-high, two-step aging operation. The added step/stage extends at about 225-275 DEG F for about 3-24 hours. More preferably, the added stage extends at about 250 DEG F for about 6 hours or more.
Abstract:
Alluminum alloy products, such as plate, forgings and extrusions, suitable for use in making aerospace structural components like integral wing spars, ribs and webs, comprises about: 6 to 10 wt.%Zn; 1.2 to 1.9 wt.% Mg; 1.2 to 2.2 wt.% Cu, with Mg (Cu+0.3); and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Zr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. Preferably, the alloy contains about 6.9 to 8.5 wt.% Zn; 1.2 to 1.7 wt.% Mg; 1.3 to 2 wt.% Cu. This alloy provides improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness in thick gauges. When artificially aged per the three stage method of preferred embodiments, this alloy also achieves superior SCC performance, including under seacoast conditions.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method of producing a sheet product having improved levels of toughness and fatigue crack growth resistance while maintaining high strength, comprising providing a body of an aluminum base alloy containing 4.0 to 4.5 wt.% Cu, 1.2 to 1.5 wt.% Mg, 0.4 to 0.6 wt.% Mn, 0.12 wt.% max. Fe, 0.05 wt.% max. Si, the remainder aluminum, incidental elements and impurities and heating a body of the alloy to above 910 DEG F to dissolve soluble constituents. Thereafter, the body is hot rolled in the range of about 600 to 900 DEG F, solution heat treated for a time of less than about 15 minutes at a solution heat treating temperature, and rapidly cooled and naturally aged to provide a sheet product with improved levels of fatigue crack growth resistance while maintaining high strength.
Abstract:
Alluminum alloy products, such as plate, forgings and extrusions, suitable for use in making aerospace structural components like integral wing spars, ribs and webs, comprises about: 6 to 10 wt.%Zn; 1.2 to 1.9 wt.% Mg; 1.2 to 2.2 wt.% Cu, with Mg (Cu+0.3); and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Zr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. Preferably, the alloy contains about 6.9 to 8.5 wt.% Zn; 1.2 to 1.7 wt.% Mg; 1.3 to 2 wt.% Cu. This alloy provides improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness in thick gauges. When artificially aged per the three stage method of preferred embodiments, this alloy also achieves superior SCC performance, including under seacoast conditions.
Abstract:
SE DESCRIBE UN METODO PARA PRODUCIR UN LAMINADO DE UN PRODUCTO QUE TIENE NIVELES PERFECCIONADOS DE INCREMENTO DE LA RESISTENCIA A LA RUPTURA Y FATIGA MIENTRAS QUE MANTIENE UNA ALTA TOLERANCIA, QUE CONSISTE EN SUMINISTRAR A LA BASE DE LA ALEACION DE ALUMINIO CON 4,0 A 4,5% EN PESO DE CU, 1,2 A 1,5% EN PESO DE MG, 0,4 A 0,6% EN PESO DE MN, 0,12% EN PESO MAXIMO DE FE, 0,005% EN PESO MAXIMO DE SI, AL ALUMINIO RESTANTE, ELEMENTOS INCIDENTALES E IMPUREZAS Y CALENTANDO LA ALEACION A TEMPERATURAS SUPERIORES A 170 F PARA DISOLVER LOS CONSTITUYENTES SOLUBLES. A CONTINUACION, LA ALEACION ES LAMINADA EN CALIENTE ENTRE 600 A 900 F, SOMETIDA A UN TRATAMIENTO POR CALOR DE SOLUCION DURANTE MENOS DE 15 MINUTOS A LA TEMPERATURA DE TRATAMIENTO, Y ENFRIADO RAPIDAMENTE PARA SUMINISTRAR UN PRODUCTO LAMINADO CON NIVELES MEJORADOS DE RESISTENCIA A LA FATIGA MIENTRAS QUE MANTIENE UNA RESISTENCIA MAXIMA.
Abstract:
Alluminum alloy products, such as plate, forgings and extrusions, suitable f or use in making aerospace structural components like integral wing spars, ribs and webs, comprises about: 6 to 10 wt.%Zn; 1.2 to 1.9 wt.% Mg; 1.2 to 2.2 wt .% Cu, with Mg (Cu+0.3); and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Zr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. Preferably, the alloy contains about 6.9 to 8.5 wt. % Zn; 1.2 to 1.7 wt.% Mg; 1.3 to 2 wt.% Cu. This alloy provides improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness in thick gauges. When artificially aged per the three stage method of preferred embodiments, this alloy also achieves superior SCC performance, including under seacoast conditions.
Abstract:
Aluminum sheet products having highly anisotropic grain microstructures and highly textured crystallographic microstructures are disclosed. The products exhibit improved strength and improved resistance to fatigue crack growth, as well as other advantageous properties such as improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness. The sheet products are useful for aerospace and other applications, particularly aircraft fuselages.