Research progress and development tendency of ultra-high strength aluminum alloys

Abstract

Ultra-high strength aluminum alloy has achieved extensive application in the nuclear，aerospace，and aviation industries because of its high specific strength and low density. The fifth generation of ultra-high strength aluminum alloy has been produced，and in comparison to the fourth generation’s 600 MPa level，its ultimate strength has been consistently redefined and increased from 650-700 MPa to 750 MPa or even 800 MPa. This paper reviews the history of the research on aluminum alloys with ultra-high strengths and introduces the current state of development both domestically and internationally. The key issues and recent research development are further explored，including computer simulation，thermal deformation，heat treatment，homogenization，melting，and casting，as well as composition design. Finally，combined with the development needs of future equipment and domestic technology status，it is pointed out that in-depth study of basic theory to solve the problem of comprehensive performance matching，the promotion and application of special materials in specific application scenarios are the development trend and important direction of ultra-high strength aluminum alloy.

Keywords

• ultra-high aluminum alloy
• al-zn-mg-cu alloy
• ingot metallurgy
• high alloying