Structure and Property Control of Aerospace Alloys

Aircraft materials research increasingly concerns reductions in the costs of both manufacture and use of more traditional aluminum alloys. In this context, a metallurgical simulator for high-strength 7xxx alloys has been developed. The philosophy and principles of such a modelling approach are described. In all cases, physical and mechanical modelling including processing route steps, have been extensively used as a support and guideline to shorten laboratory studies and industrial optimization in plant shops. Some examples of applications to new 7xxx alloys recently put on the market or still under development today in cooperation with major aerospace manufacturers are discussed, including new stress-relieved Ultra Thick 7xxx plates, 7040 alloy for spars, and 7449 alloy for upper wing skins. (Author)