What Are The Main Applications Of Aluminum Alloys in Aerospace?

1, The Wide Application Background of Aluminum Alloy in Aerospace Industry
Aluminum, as the main propellant for solid rocket boosters in space shuttles, benefits from its high volumetric energy density and resistance to accidental ignition. The application range of aluminum alloy plates in the aerospace field is extremely wide, from simple components to the main load-bearing structures of aircraft, such as the manufacturing of Airbus A340 and Boeing 777, all of which rely on the contribution of aluminum alloys. The aircraft and aerospace industries have long relied on aluminum alloys, which play an indispensable role in engines. Even in today's NASA advanced Orion spacecraft, aluminum lithium hybrid materials are still widely used.
2, The specific application of aluminum alloy in aerospace industry
Airframe and wing structure
Aluminum alloy is the preferred material for aircraft fuselage and wing manufacturing. The fuselage skin has high requirements for fracture toughness and fatigue crack propagation rate, and the commonly used alloy is 2024-T3 thin plate. The overall force on the ordinary frame and beams of the fuselage is not significant, mainly used to support the shape and transmit loads. The materials for the ordinary frame and beams of the fuselage are mainly 2524 and 7150 alloys. The reinforced frame of the fuselage is the most important load-bearing component on the fuselage. High level circumferential loads require the material of the fuselage frame to have high strength, stiffness, good durability, and damage tolerance. The reinforced frame is usually processed from thick plates or forgings, and the available aluminum alloy materials mainly include alloys such as 2124, 7475, 7050, 7150, 7055, 2097, 2197, etc. The upper wing surface of aircraft wings was originally made of thin plates and strips riveted together. After the 1970s, thick plate integral machined parts began to be used instead of riveted structures. The lower wing skin and beams are similar to the upper wing structure, but they bear different loads. Wing beams and ribs are important load-bearing components, often made of 7075 and 2024 alloys.
engine components
Aluminum alloy is also widely used in the field of aviation engines. For example, aluminum alloy die-casting parts are often used to manufacture fuselage and engine parts to meet the requirements of high strength and lightweight. As a key component, the turbine disk needs to withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures, and the aluminum alloy die-casting process can precisely meet its complex shape and high-quality requirements. In addition, aluminum lithium alloys are widely used in the manufacturing of internal components of aircraft engines, such as combustion chambers and turbine blades, due to their high strength and low density characteristics.
Other key components
The application of aluminum alloy in the aerospace field is not limited to aircraft bodies, wings, and engine components. It is also used to manufacture landing gear struts, fuel tanks, wall panels, skin joints, and truss joints for aircraft. These components have high requirements for material strength, stiffness, and corrosion resistance, and aluminum alloy is the ideal material to meet these requirements.
3, Performance advantages of aluminum alloy in aerospace industry
Lightweight and high-strength
The specific gravity of aluminum alloy is much smaller than that of steel, but its specific strength is about 35% higher than that of ordinary carbon steel. This enables the application of aluminum alloys in the aerospace field to significantly reduce the overall weight of aircraft, thereby improving load capacity and flight performance.
Excellent processing performance
Aluminum alloy has good plasticity and mechanical processing properties, and can be easily molded into various complex shapes and precise dimensions of components. In addition, aluminum alloys can be manufactured through various processing techniques such as extrusion, stretching, cold drawing, welding, and casting, providing extensive flexibility for different application scenarios.
Excellent corrosion resistance
Aluminum alloy has excellent corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of various acids and bases. This is crucial for spacecraft that operate in complex environments for extended periods of time.
Good thermal conductivity
Aluminum alloys have high thermal conductivity, making them an ideal choice for manufacturing high heat transfer efficiency components. In the aviation industry, aluminum alloy is often used to manufacture key components such as engine heat sinks, coolers, and heat transfer tubes.