Strength enhancement of rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium through double aging
AssigneeAllied-Signal Inc.
InventorsJerry C. LaSalle, V. R. V. Ramanan, David J. Skinner
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Abstract
A component consolidated from a rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium alloy containing copper, magnesium and zirconium is subjected to a preliminary aging treatment at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. for a time period of about 0.5 to 10 hours; quenched in a fluid bath; and subjected to a final aging treatment at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for a time period ranging up to about 40 hours. The component exhibits increased strength and elongation, and is especially suited for use in lightweight structural parts for land vehicles and aerospace applications.
Claims10
A process for increasing the strength of a rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium alloy component, comprising the steps of:
- a. subjecting the component to a preliminary aging treatment at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. for a time period from about 0.5 to 10 hours;
- b. quenching the component in a fluid bath;
- and,
- c. subjecting the component to final treatment at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for a time period ranging up to about 40 hours, said component being a consolidated article formed from an aluminum-lithium alloy that is rapidly solidified and consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Cu.sub.b Mg.sub.c Zr.sub.d wherein "a" ranges from about 2.1 to 3.4 wt %, "b" ranges from about 0.5 to 2.0 wt %, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 2.0 wt % and "d" ranges from about 0.2 to 0.6 wt %, the balance being aluminum.
A component consolidated from an alloy that is rapidly solidified and consists essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.a Cu.sub.b Mg.sub.c Zr.sub.d wherein "a" ranges from about 2.1 to 3.4 wt %, "b" ranges from about 0.5 to 2.0 wt %, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 2.0 wt %, and "d" ranges from about 0.2 to 0.6 wt %, the balance being aluminum, said component having been subjected to a preliminary aging treatment at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. for a time period of about 0.5 to 10 hours, quenched in a fluid bath and subjected to a final aging treatment at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for a time period ranging up to about 40 hours.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.