The Technology-Driven Growth of Induction Heating in the Aerospace Industry

Electromagnetic induction provides a proven, repeatable, and cost-effective method of heating a vast range of components and materials for a variety of different applications.  Relative to other methods of heating (e.g. gas-fired furnaces), induction typically offers dramatic increases in productivity and energy efficiency; consequently many of the world’s largest manufacturing industries (automotive, commercial truck, agriculture, railroad, oil & gas, etc.) have relied heavily upon induction heating technology for many years.  Despite the geometric complexity, special-purpose materials, and often stringent heating requirements inherent to aerospace components, recent equipment and process innovations and the rapid advancement of computer simulation capabilities has dramatically increased the relevance of induction heating in the aerospace industry.  This presentation addresses practical advantages and physical specifics of induction heating, focusing particularly on the heating of aerospace-grade materials including (but not limited to) nickel-based superalloys and aluminum, titanium, and magnesium alloys.  Various case studies demonstrate the scope of the induction heating and the merit of recently developed novel technologies.  FEA computer simulation results illustrate some of the electromagnetic and thermal subtleties inherent to common induction heating processes.