Issued patent
Improving Formability of Al-Li Alloys
An issued NASA patent from the Technology Transfer catalog.
About this technology
Overview
NASA scientists have designed a novel heat treatment process that significantly improves the formability of high-performance aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) 2195 alloy plate stock. The heat treatment process dramatically reduces cracking and also improves the yield and range of product sizes/shapes that can be spin/stretch formed. The improved yields also provide lower costs. The NASA innovation enables the use of Al-Li 2195 alloy for large structures like rocket domes or fuel tanks of much lighter weights than if made using a conventional aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) alloy. While specifically designed to address Al-Li 2195 alloy, similar heat treatments may possibly improve the formability of other high-performance Al-Li alloys as well.