Fundamental Studies on the Aluminum-Lithium-Beryllium Alloy System,
Abstract
A considerable effort has been expended in recent years in the development of advanced aluminum alloys. Two major areas of work have evolved. The first area is directed toward the production of high modulus alloys, predominantly for use at high temperature, using rapid solidification processing (RPS) and power metallurgy (PM) consolidation. These alloys are based on the Al-Mn and Al-Fe systems. The second area, in recognition of the overriding importance of low density in weight savings in aerospace structures, is the development of low density and high modulus alloys based on the aluminum lithium system. These Al-Li alloys are predominantly manufactured using ingot metallurgy techniques although successful PM alloys have also been produced. In order to take further advantage of density decreases in aluminum alloys, it is not possible simply to continue to increase the lithium content of the alloy. Only two elemental additions to aluminum have the effect of simultaneously decreasing density and increasing the elastic modulus by significant amounts. These are lithium and beryllium; Li is both the most efficient density-decreasing and modulus-increasing of all metallic elements when added to aluminum. Rapid solidification processing (RSP) is a unique and potentially practical method for the development of high modulus and high strength microstructures in Al-Li alloys containing more than about 0.03 percent Be.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158088
Entities
People
- J. Wadsworth
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space