Search Results for aerospace materials

Ahead of formal certification, many advanced metals have been qualified for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of previously impossible aerospace parts including for the hypersonic environment.

Integrated computational materials engineering has proven effective in shrinking materials development timelines and accelerating the implementation of new materials in manufactured components. This article presents examples of aerospace alloys developed using ICME techniques and provides a glimpse of future applications.

Single crystal and directionally solidified casting processes are among the most complex techniques available, requiring stringent process control and a thorough understanding of engineered materials and specialty alloys. This article examines how an aerospace material company utilizes advanced investment casting techniques to create components that meet the increasingly demanding requirements of modern aerospace and gas turbine engines. The article highlights how solidification modeling and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) have accelerated development processes by predicting material behaviors and optimizing casting parameters without extensive experimental testing.

Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) standards and Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) play key roles in ensuring that manufacturers performing heat treating and other special processes adhere to consistent, high-quality standards for producing aerospace products. This is the first in a series of articles that break down the process of obtaining Nadcap accreditation for a heat treating facility.

Titanium's potential was not fully realized until 1956 when metal production reached 5200 tons and sponge production nearly 15,000 tons. After a decade of difficult R&D and an investment of several hundred million dollars by government and industry, titanium fulfilled its promise as a new metal for jet engine and airframe applications.

The evolution of carbon nanotube composites, as inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, unlocks new potential for materials sustainability in challenging deep space applications. This article describes research and development work at the Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), a NASA Space Technology Research Institute consortium. US-COMP has developed a novel composite material with mechanical properties per unit mass that exceed state-of-the-art structural composites.

The only process available for producing titanium was patented by William J. Kroll in 1940, marking the dawn of a new metals industry.

The titanium industry was launched in the 1950s and required the efforts of numerous metallurgical engineers and research laboratories, nearly a dozen corporations, and titanium metal producers, along with hundreds of millions of dollars.

Fabrication of aerospace components using additive manufacturing (AM) has matured to the point where part microstructures and mechanical properties compare well with those of conventionally produced material. This article discusses the basics of AM, part design considerations, CAD models, and build and powder removal considerations.

Field assisted sintering technology (FAST) enables hybrid components for aerospace to be designed with reduced weight and without sacrificing performance. FAST can be used to produce metal, ceramic, and composite components with tailored properties via a powder metallurgy approach. In many cases, it is a one-step, cost-effective manufacturing process for production of net-shape components.

The Nadcap accreditation process ensures that manufacturers performing heat treating and other special processes adhere to consistent, high-quality standards. This final article in the series looks at the official audit process, auditor interactions, and completing the official audit.

The extreme high-speed laser application (EHLA) process offers efficient deposition of high-performance materials in aerospace manufacturing, providing key advantages compared to conventional laser cladding. As a sustainable alternative to chrome plating, EHLA excels in material integrity, efficiency, and performance, while reducing costs compared to thermal spray and conventional laser cladding. This article discusses how EHLA can help to address many sustainability concerns within the manufacturing sector.

Fabrication of aerospace components using additive manufacturing (AM) has matured to the point where part microstructures and mechanical properties compare well with those of conventionally produced material. This article looks at characteristics of AM methods, post-processing of AM parts, and AM part properties.

The Nadcap accreditation process ensures that manufacturers performing heat treating and other special processes adhere to consistent, high-quality standards. This article looks at the internal audit process, reviewing nonconformances, and completing the internal audit as steps in the overall accreditation journey.

During the 20th century, the use of aluminum alloys helped the Allied Powers win World War II and made modern global air travel possible. Continuous improvements in engine technology, alloys, and manufacturing methods enabled the development of practical and efficient aircraft with varying passenger capacity and range capability. Conventional wrought aluminum alloys make up 70-80% of the weight of single-aisle airliners. Aluminum sheet, plate, forgings, extrusions, and castings all continue to be utilized in modern aircraft construction. This article explores a brief history of the special alloys, tempers, and product forms required to meet the unique challenges of flight.

The application potential of magnesium alloys as lightweight structural materials in aerospace and especially inside the aircraft cabin are hindered by their high surface reactivity at increased temperatures with particular concerns of ignition and flammability during a potential contact with a flame or other heat source. This article describes global efforts to develop ignition-resistant and nonflammable magnesium alloys. A widely explored avenue involves microalloying magnesium with rare earth metals and other elements having a high affinity to oxygen. As demonstrated by experimental alloys, this approach allows shifting the ignition temperature well above the liquidus, not only easing requirements on protective atmospheres during liquid-state processing, but also increasing the safety margin for possible aerospace applications.

Beyond automotive, aerospace, and medical materials innovations, research and development of advanced materials and processes for sports and recreation activities is one of the most exciting areas for today’s materials scientists and engineers. This article compiles examples of materials innovations in equipment for cycling, ice skating, cricket, running, football, sailing, and fishing.

Custom equipment designed for the deposition of exotic materials allows advanced coating solutions and ceramic matrix composites to be utilized for applications in automotive, aerospace, defense, energy, and the farthest reaches of space. This article describes custom systems for chemical vapor deposition and advanced materials processing.

In recognition of ASM International's 100-year anniversary, AM&P highlights historic events and technological advancements that occurred over the course of those years. This issue extends the timeline from 1984 to 1993, which includes the release of an artist's conception of the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP), the development of a superconducting composite produced by explosive consolidation, and the completion of the stainless-steel-clad Canary Wharf Tower in London.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: John Grotzinger, chief scientist for the Mars Curiosity Rover project, to speak at AeroMat 2015; Andrew DeVillier shares perspectives from an emerging failure analyst; update on ASM membership drive.