Advanced lightweight alloys for aerospace applications

The performance requirements of the next-generation high-speed aerospace vehicles necessitate the development of high-strength low-density thermally stable corrosion-resistant materials. The alloys being currently developed for aerospace applications include elevated-temperature aluminum-based alloys, aluminum-lithium alloys, aluminum-base metal/polymer laminates (called macrolaminates), and advanced magnesium-based alloys. The properties of these alloys and the advantages and disadvantages specific for each class of these materials are discussed. Data are presented on typical properties of some of these materials together with nominal compositions data. (I.S.)