New rapidly solidified aluminium alloys for elevated temperature applications on aerospace structures

Abstract
This paper presents the results of a cooperative study between AEROSPATIALE, DASSAULT AVIATION, BRITISH AEROSPACE, ALENIA, IMPERIAL COLLEGE, CEREM, ALPOCO, RAUFOSS A/S, CENIM AND THE UNIVERSITYOF PISA supported by the CEC under BRITE EURAM contract BREU 0356 C which aims at developping a new Aluminium alloy for use at 250 - 300°C by Rapid Solidification /Powder Metallurgy technology. Tensile and creep properties at temperatures up to 350°C, fracture toughness and corrosion results on 11 alloys from the Al-Fe-V, Al-Fe-Mo, Al-Cr-Ni and Al-Mn-Ni systems are presented and discussed. Their stability for long exposures at temperatures up to 350°C is demonstrated on the basis of fine microstructural investigations and mechanical tests. The cross effect of the Iron content and the powder size distribution is detailed in the case of the gas atomization process for the Al-Fe-V system. The results obtained on the most promising products are detailed and compared to those available on existing 8009 and 8019 alloys. Potential applications on aerospace structures are described.