A. P. Druschitz, J. Griffin, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Castable versions of the 7000 series aluminum alloys are being developed for the production of ultra-high strength (>500 MPa yield strength), lightweight, shaped castings. These castings can replace aluminum fabrications and hog-outs in industrial, automotive, aerospace and military applications. Due to the long freezing range of these alloys, special casting processes (solidification under pressure) and heat treatments (solution treatment followed by hot isostatic pressing) are being developed. These processes can also be used to enhance the properties of existing casting alloys.
Summary: Castable versions of the 7000 series aluminum alloys are being developed for the production of ultra-high strength (>500 MPa yield strength), lightweight, shaped castings. These castings can replace aluminum fabrications and hog-outs in industrial, automotive, aerospace and military applications. Due to the long freezing range of these alloys, special casting processes (solidification under pressure) and heat treatments (solution treatment followed by hot isostatic pressing) are being developed. These processes can also be used to enhance the properties of existing casting alloys.
