Superplastic Aluminum Evaluation

Abstract : With the development of a process to produce fine grain aluminum alloys, it is now possible to superplastically form (SPF) structural aircraft components. This document presents results from several important areas which are considered to be critical to providing a realistic assessment of the technical and economic potential for superplastic forming structures using a high strength 7475 aluminum alloy. Areas of study included (1) the evaluation of structural applications; (2) the determination of superplastic forming limits; (3) a microstructural study of cavities formed during superplastic deformation; (4) the application of hydrostatic gas pressures to suppress cavitation, and (5) the effect of superplastic deformation on subsequent service properties.