F. Eberl, Alcan Rhenalu, Issoire Cedex, France; K. P. Smith, Alcan Rolled Products, Ravenswood, WV; F. Bron, Alcan, Voreppe, France
Although more and more composite materials are being used, advanced metallic structures are still bringing significant weight savings to aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to present typical benefit obtained by using 2098 aluminum lithium sheets within the airframe structure.
Alcan experience on aluminum lithium is becoming stronger and currently a large range of products (stiffeners, plate and sheets) are qualified and proposed to customers, including 2098 alloy, previously qualified by one military aircraft manufacturer. The next challenge was to develop 2098 sheets for a new set of requirements. Because the new application is driven by static strength, details will be presented on static properties and the process to achieve them.
Significant weight gains can be reached with aluminum solutions thanks to their flexibility in design and manufacturing. The implementation of 2098 aluminum lithium will be reviewed with special emphasis on design criteria for further weight gain as well as good manufacturability in order to keep assembling costs low.
Summary: Although more and more composite materials are being used, advanced metallic structures are still bringing significant weight savings to aircraft. The purpose of this paper is to present typical benefit obtained by using 2098 aluminum lithium sheets within the airframe structure.
Alcan experience on aluminum lithium is becoming stronger and currently a large range of products (stiffeners, plate and sheets) are qualified and proposed to customers, including 2098 alloy, previously qualified by one military aircraft manufacturer. The next challenge was to develop 2098 sheets for a new set of requirements. Because the new application is driven by static strength, details will be presented on static properties and the process to achieve them.
Significant weight gains can be reached with aluminum solutions thanks to their flexibility in design and manufacturing. The implementation of 2098 aluminum lithium will be reviewed with special emphasis on design criteria for further weight gain as well as good manufacturability in order to keep assembling costs low.
