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Advanced Aluminum Alloy: Extruded Thin Wall Structural Concepts

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 25931
Amount: $65,732.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1994
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1831-a Wilde Oak Cir
Bryan, TX 77802
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Dr Vladimir M Segal
 (409) 260-1714
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The primary objective of this proposed work is to develop a method of producing integrally stiffened, complex shaped monolithic structural components in high strength aluminum alloys at a lower cost and lighter weight than equivalent conventional built-up assemblies. In Phase I the feasibility of attaining this objective will be demonstrated by conducting a series of subscale experiments based upon a uniquely devised processing sequence that involves several advanced processing methods including: 1)Equal Channel Angular Extrusion (ECAE), 2)Superplastic Extrusion (SPE), 3)Stretch Straightening and, 4)Creep-Age Forming. ECAE offers a novel deformation approach to processing a large number of materials to obtain a variety of useful microstructures, including submicron grain sizes in thick sections. With the submicron grain sizes, certain high strength aluminum alloys can be formed or extruded superplastically into very thin cross section panels. The aluminum alloy flow stresses at working temperatures in the submicron/SPE process are much lower than in conventional extrusion. This allows more fragile extrusion dies thus allowing thinner section details and larger overall extruded panels for a given press capacity. ECAE process optimization experiments will be conducted on a selected aluminum-lithium alloy to produce submicron grain structure. Advance Technology Assocates (ATA) will subcontract SPE and Creep Age Forming experiments to Rockwell International Science Center (RISC).

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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