Implementation of New Materials on Aging Aircraft Structure
Abstract
Numerous advances in new materials such as aluminum-lithium alloys, discontinuously reinforced aluminum composites, elevated temperature alloys, and other materials have occurred over the last several decades by academia, industry, and government laboratories around the world. However, implementation of these materials for primary aircraft structure have been infrequent due to several key issues, including alloy suitability for the required service environment, deficiencies in microstructure/properties, implementation timing, as well as end-user/customer acceptance of new materials. Two material systems that have been implemented through a team of Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, DWA Aluminum Composites, McCook Metals Ltd (formerly Reynolds Metals Co.), and U.S. Air Force engineers include 6O92/SiC/17.5p-T6 Discontinuously Reinforced Aluminum (DRA) sheet and 2297-T861 Aluminum-Lithium plate. This paper provides a background on successful technology transitions in the commercial sector, descriptions of the development and building-block testing of the DRA and AlLi materials, and lessons learned on the successful implementation of these two materials on existing aircraft structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADP010409
Entities
People
- A. Cho
- L. K. Austin
- M. Niedzinski
- M. Van Den Bergh
Organizations
- Lockheed Martin