I. Gheorghe, Alu Menziken Aerospace / UAC, Canton, GA
Present aluminum aircraft structures are facing a serious threat as the fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are more seriously considered for structural aircraft components. In the same time new aircraft design criteria along with the ongoing need to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs without sacrificing structural properties are imposing the development of new aluminum alloys to exhibit high strength and damage tolerance.
This paper will present some of the latest alloy development activities at Universal Alloy Co. The performance of high strength alloys like 7136 in T76511 and T73511 tempers will be presented alongside innovative applications where this alloy is being used. M709 alloy – a new medium strength high toughness alloy will be introduced as well. While maintaining strength at a reasonably high level, M709 alloy provides excellent damage tolerance and corrosion resistance even in T6511 temper making this alloy an excellent candidate for lower wing as well as fuselage skin applications.
In addition new aircraft design concepts using extrude products materialized in OEM trade studies will be presented.
Summary: This paper will present some of the latest alloy development activities at Universal Alloy Co. The performance of high strength alloys like 7136 in T76511 and T73511 tempers will be presented alongside innovative applications where this alloy is being used. M709 alloy – a new medium strength high toughness alloy will be introduced as well. While maintaining strength at a reasonably high level, M709 alloy provides excellent damage tolerance and corrosion resistance even in T6511 temper making this alloy an excellent candidate for lower wing as well as fuselage skin applications.
In addition new aircraft design concepts using extrude products materialized in OEM trade studies will be presented.
