2. Aluminium Alloys for Aerospace Applications

This chapter starts with a brief overview of the historical development of aerospace aluminium alloys. This is followed by a listing of a range of current alloys with a description of the alloy classification system and the wide range of tempers in which Al alloys are used. A description is given of the alloying and precipitation hardening behaviour, which is the principal strengthening mechanism for Al alloys. A survey of the mechanical properties, fatigue behaviour and corrosion resistance of Al alloys is followed by a listing of some of the typical aerospace applications of Al alloys. The Indian scenario with respect to production of primary aluminium and some aerospace alloys, and the Type Certification process of Al alloys for aerospace applications are described. Finally there is a critical review of some of the gaps in existing aerospace Al alloy technologies.