Titanium and aluminum alloys do not have superplasticity under normal processing conditions. In order to obtain the superplastic deformed grain structure of titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, special heat treatment is usually required. Aluminum alloy materials, especially developed for their superplasticity. Specialty alloy manufacturers analyze the properties of titanium and aluminum alloy materials
Aluminum alloy is a medium strength alloy with mechanical properties similar to 6061 and 2219 and is commonly used in light load and non-structural applications. More than 100 components have been produced for more than 80 different aircraft, including the Airbus A340, Aerospatiale ATR and Boeing 777, serving many around the world. For example, the Boeing 777 blade headlight box is processed by SPF. In the Eurofighter project, SPF components such as sine wave beams, auxiliary power unit (APU) shear walls, tank shear walls, doors, boxes, firewalls, and exits are widely considered. Based on these experiences, SPF aluminum components should be used more in commercial aircraft.
The combination of SPF and DB manufacturing methods for titanium alloy materials has no commercial method for aluminum alloy materials. The strong oxide film prevalent in aluminum alloy materials hinders the effective utilization of DB. Development projects to overcome this problem are under way, but have not been successful. The SPF and DB technologies of titanium alloy materials have been basically mature. Both models are currently in use on the F-15E aircraft and have significant advantages. The strength characteristics of SPF/DB are the same as those of forged alloys. However, the surface of the connection must be very clean. Otherwise, the strength will be reduced.
