The true story behind aluminium being more than just a lightweight wonder in the aerospace sector

There is an increasingly urgent need for lightweight components in the aerospace industry, with aluminium (Al) alloys being the preferred material for aircraft structural parts since their use in the Junkers F.13 aircraft in the 1920s. Compared to other metals, Al alloys have a lower density, which helps reduce the total weight of the aircraft, improving fuel efficiency and load capacity.

An article on ScienceDirect, backed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, and the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, details the use of non-ferrous metals in the aviation industry. The strength and hardness of Al alloys can be significantly enhanced through alloying and heat treatment, making them suitable for applications involving high loads and vibrations.

Additionally, aircraft are exposed to various climatic conditions and chemical corrosion in the harsh aerospace environment. Al alloys exhibit excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance, ensuring their long-term service life under these conditions.

Furthermore, Al alloys are easily recyclable, which helps reduce resource consumption and lessens environmental impact, aligning with the principles of sustainable development. Although composites have gained popularity in aerospace recently, high-strength Al alloys remain indispensable.

With this article, we intend to review the advancements and applications of aluminium alloys commonly used in aerospace. The traditional strengthening methods and advanced manufacturing and processing technologies for aluminium play a critical role in developing high-performance aviation Al alloys in the future.