Aleris material solutions for metallic wing structures

Metallic wings have a variety of property and processing requirements depending on application and loads in the wing. An overview of the latest solutions from Aleris for the various wing components will be provided. These comprise high damage tolerant 2xxx and 7xxx alloys for lower wing skins as well as high strength 7xxx alloys for upper wing panels in an integral and built-up design suitable for smaller jets and large commercial aircrafts. Other main components of the wing box such as spars and ribs in a monolithic design are most efficiently machined out of high strength and high fatigue resistant 7xxx plate alloys. Low density AlMgSc sheets offer an attractive solution for cost efficient and lightweight high lift components. Multiple alloy solutions with tailored properties form an option for components combining both high damage tolerance and high strength in one part adapted to the local load case. The above solutions demonstrate possible ways for improved wing designs with higher performance, reduced weight and lower manufacturing costs.