H. Ribes, Alcan Aerospace Transportation and Industry, Issoire Cedex, France; M. Niedzinski, J. Padrul, Alcan Aerospace, Chicago, IL; J. Amin, Lockheed Martin, Fort Worth, TX; B. Bes, Pechiney CRV, Voreppe, France
During the past five years, several critical components of the F-16 fuselage were redesigned using 2098-T82 plate. Enhanced damage tolerance and fatigue performance compared to the incumbent 2024-T62 plate were the main drivers for the replacement. In addition, 2098 provides higher static properties and significantly improved spectrum fatigue crack growth rate performance. Also a 3% weight reduction was achieved due to lower density inherent to Al-Li alloys.
Following the shutdown of McCook (Illinois) operations, Pechiney (now Alcan) made the decision to produce 2098 plate in Issoire, France. Working in close cooperation with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Alcan demonstrated the ability to reproduce and improve upon previous fabrication practices necessary to exceed specifications requirements.
Qualification was successfully completed in mid 2004. To date about 130 lots of the material were delivered to subcontractors, for production of F-16 fuselage components. Improved consistency in the Issoire thermo-mechanical practice translated into more robust fracture toughness and static properties.
Recent registration of 2098 under AMS 4327 and inclusion in MMPDS provides additional application opportunities. With the help Alcan's Voreppe Research Centre 2098 is currently being optimised for commercial aircraft applications offering an optimised balance between strength (controlled reduction) and toughness (significant increase).
Summary: Re-qualification of 2098 F16 fuselage plate at Alcan Issoire facility
JT Amin LMC AERO, H. Ribes Alcan Issoire, B. Bes Alcan Voreppe, J. Padrul Alcan Chicago, M. Niedzinski Alcan Chicago
During the past five years, several critical components of the F-16 fuselage were redesigned using 2098-T82 plate. Enhanced damage tolerance and fatigue performance compared to the incumbent 2024-T62 plate were the main drivers for the replacement. In addition, 2098 provides higher static properties and significantly improved spectrum fatigue crack growth rate performance. Also a 3% weight reduction was achieved due to lower density inherent to Al-Li alloys.
Following the shutdown of McCook (Illinois) operations, Pechiney (now Alcan) made the decision to produce 2098 plate in Issoire, France. Working in close cooperation with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Alcan demonstrated the ability to reproduce and improve upon previous fabrication practices necessary to exceed specifications requirements.
Qualification was successfully completed in mid 2004. To date about 130 lots of the material were delivered to subcontractors, for production of F-16 fuselage components. Improved consistency in the Issoire thermo-mechanical practice translated into more robust fracture toughness and static properties.
Recent registration of 2098 under AMS 4327 and inclusion in MMPDS provides additional application opportunities. With the help Alcan’s Voreppe Research Centre 2098 is currently being optimised for commercial aircraft applications offering an optimised balance between strength (controlled reduction) and toughness (significant increase).
