M. Niedzinski, Alcan Aerospace, Chicago, IL
Development of alloy 2195 and subsequent usage on the external tank of Space Shuttle allowed launch of heavier components into more difficult orbits thus facilitating construction of International Space Station. This high strength/modulus and low density Aluminum Lithium alloy is also characterized by excellent corrosion resistance and good cryogenic fracture toughness. Even thou two new space application has surfaced recently alloy 2195 was not very visible to designers for commercial applications due to the nonstandard and proprietary test methods and test planes/orientations used for certification and lot acceptance testing. To facilitate commercial usage large scale test program was started to develop mechanical properties and write an AMS specification (which is a precursor to MMPDS inclusion) for T3/T82 temper. Testing encompassed plate material in the range of .500”to 2.250”. Paper will provide full portfolio of the static and dynamic properties and current applications.
