On the transformation characteristics of LA141A (Mg-LiAl) alloy

The use of Magnesium-Lithium LA141A-T7 alloy for nonstructural or secondary structural aerospace applications was abandoned mainly because of the loss in strength above room temperature. At temperatures of 90 – 150°C the ultimate strength decreased by about 50% from the room temperature strength. Two processing methods were used in this study in an effort to retain the strength at the intermediate temperatures. The first method consisted of a series of cold rolling and annealing treatments. The cold rolling was employed in the longitudinal, transverse and 45° directions. The second method was similar to the first but included a solution treatment at 315°C. Both methods resulted in a retention of strength at the elevated temperatures by stabilizing the structure and inhibiting recrystallization.