Copper Containing Patents (Class 148/416)
  • Patent number: 5422066
    Abstract: Aluminum-base alloys in a peak-aged condition and magnesium-base alloys in the form of cast products and wrought products capable of having improved combinations of yield strength and fracture toughness are disclosed. The aluminum-base alloy products are comprised of 0.5 to 4.5 wt %. lithium, about 0.01 to 1 ppm Na, about 0.01 to 1 ppm K, less than 0.1 ppm Rb, less than 0.1 ppm Cs, and the remainder comprising aluminum. Aluminum-base alloy products in a peak-aged condition have: (i) a grain boundary region substantially free of liquid phase eutectics comprised of Na and K that form embrittlement phases at room temperature; and (ii) an increase in fracture toughness compared to an aluminum-lithium alloy having greater than 5 ppm aggregate alkali metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Comalco Aluminium Limited
    Inventor: Donald Webster
  • Patent number: 5383986
    Abstract: Strength and ductility for a aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product in the transverse direction is improved by subjecting these types of alloys to improved T8 temper practice. The wrought product, after solution heat treating and quenching is subjected to a multiple step stretching sequence prior to aging, the total percent reduction for the multiple step stretching sequence ranging between 1 and 20 percent reduction. In the multiple step stretching sequence, each of the stretching steps may have the same or different amounts of percent reduction to achieve the desired total percent reduction. An aluminum-lithium alloy wrought product subjected to the improved T8 temper practice has increased tensile yield stress and percent elongation in its transverse direction to facilitate commercial application of the product in high strength applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 5300157
    Abstract: An Al-based intermetallic compound in which a eutectic crystal type Al-CuMn intermetallic compound dispersion phase is dispersed in an Al-Cu intermetallic compound matrix phase. The content of Mn as a eutectic crystal-forming element contained in the dispersion phase is set in a range of from 5% by weight (inclusive) to 30% by weight (inclusive). In the course of solidification of the Al-Cu-Mn intermetallic compound, an infinite number of dispersion phases are first crystallized, and the matrix phase is then crystallized. This ensures that the matrix phase is formed into a fine crystal structure due to hindrance of the growth thereof by the dispersion phase, leading to increases in hardness and toughness of the resulting Al-based intermetallic compound. In another embodiment, the Al-based intermetallic compound contains peritectic type Al-based intermetallic dispersion phase, such as formed by Ta, dispersed in the intermetallic compound matrix phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sinji Okabe, Takashi Iwasa, Naoya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5234662
    Abstract: Aluminum based alloy primarily for use in aircraft and aerospace components consists essentially of the composition: 2.60 to 3.30 weight percent copper, 0.0 to 0.50 weight percent manganese, 1.30 to 1.65 weight percent lithium, 0.0 to 1.8 percent magnesium, and from 0.0 to 1.5 weight percent of grain refinement elements selected from the group consisting of zirconium, and chromium. Up to about 0.5 wt. % zinc and up to about 1.5 wt. % titanium may also be present. Minor impurities may also be present. These alloys exhibit an improved combination of characteristics including low density, high strength, high corrosion resistance and good fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Edward S. Balmuth, David J. Chellman, Frank W. Gayle, Richard A. Rainen, Michael H. Skillingberg
  • Patent number: 5194102
    Abstract: A method of improving strength in aluminum alloys. The method involves solution heat treating an aluminum alloy product, quenching the alloy product, warm working the alloy product without a pre-aging step, and aging the alloy product at 250.degree.-400.degree. F. (121.degree.-204.degree. C.). The method may be used on forgings, to impart T8-type hardness to alloys that previously could only obtain such hardness levels in non-forging applications, such as by using stretch/cold working techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Rebecca K. Wyss
  • Patent number: 5178695
    Abstract: A component consolidated from a rapidly solidified aluminum-lithium alloy containing copper, magnesium and zirconium is subjected to a preliminary aging treatment at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. for a time period of about 0.5 to 10 hours; quenched in a fluid bath; and subjected to a final aging treatment at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. for a time period ranging up to about 40 hours. The component exhibits increased strength and elongation, and is especially suited for use in lightweight structural parts for land vehicles and aerospace applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry C. LaSalle, V. R. V. Ramanan, David J. Skinner
  • Patent number: 5171374
    Abstract: A rapidly solidified aluminum base lithium containing alloy is subjected to at least one overaging treatment and a plurality of rolling passes. Upon completion of the process, the alloy is comprised of grains having an ultrafine grain size. A predominant number of the grains have grain boundaries pinned by the precipitation of Al.sub.3 Zr phase. The alloy has an elongation greater than 500% at temperature above about 500.degree. C. and a strain rate above about 4.times.10.sup.-2 /s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Nack J. Kim, Eui W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5162100
    Abstract: An aluminum-based bearing alloy of the invention comprises 3-40% Sn, 0.1-10% Pb, 0.1-5% Cu, 0.1-3% Sb, total 0.05-1% of Ti and B which satisfy the equation: B/Ti+B=0.1 to 0.35, and the balance being essentially Al. The aluminum-based bearing alloy according to the present invention has excellent fatigue resistance and anti-seizure property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Tanaka, Masaaki Sakamoto, Koichi Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Sato, Tohru Kato
  • Patent number: 5122207
    Abstract: An improved aluminum-silicon-copper alloy having a relatively high level of bismuth is provided which is particularly wear-resistant and sufficiently self-lubricating so as to be suitable for use in a wearing component even when poorly lubricated. The relatively high bismuth level within the alloy cooperates with the other elemental additions so as to provide a sufficiently low friction bearing surface (or self-lubricity), which significantly enhances the wear resistant properties of the alloy. In particular, the preferred aluminum alloy is suited for use in a socket plate which receives high strength steel bearing members within a compressor unit of an automobile air conditioning system. The improved aluminum alloy should minimize wear and alleviate galling of the socket plate during use. In addition, the improved aluminum alloy should have sufficient strength and ductility so as to permit swaging of the socket plate formed from the alloy around a balled end of the high strength steel bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Muftau M. Alabi
  • Patent number: 5120372
    Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy consisting of, by weight, of 7.0-13.0% copper, 0.4-1.2% manganese, 0.21-40% vanadium, 0.31-0.70% zirconium; impurities limited to: less than to 0.6% Si, less than 0.8% Fe, less than 0.2% zinc, less than 0.1% Mn, less than 0.2% Ni, and the remainder being essentially aluminum. There is an absence of titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, boron, tantalum, and niobium. The alloy has, at room temperature, a UTS of about 61 ksi, a YS of about 49 ksi, a tensile elongation of about 6%, and tensile modulus elasticity of about 11.5 MSI, a compressive yield strength of about 53 ksi, a compressive modulus of elasticity of about 18 MSi; high temperature physical properties at 500.degree. F., after 1000 hours exposure to 500.degree. F., comprise a tensile strength of 33 ksi or greater, a tensile yield strength of 23 ksi or greater, a tensile elongation of about 9%, and tensile modulus of elasticity of 10 msi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Chia M. Yen, Walter J. Evans
  • Patent number: 5115770
    Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy consisting of, by weight, of 7.0-13.0% copper, 0.4-1.2% manganese, 0.21-0.40% vanadium, 0.31-0.70% zirconium; impurities limited to: less than to 0.6% Si, less than 0.8% Fe, less than 0.2% zinc, less than 0.1% Mn, less than 0.2% Ni, and the remainder being essentially aluminum. There is an absence of titanium, cobalt, molybdenum, tungsten, chromium, boron, tantalum, and niobium. The alloy has, at room temperature, a UTS of about 61 ksi, a YS of about 49 ksi, a tensile elongation of about 6%, and tensile modulus elasticity of about 11.5 MSi, a compressive yield strength of about 53 ksi, a compressive modulus of elasticity of about 18 MSi; high temperature physical properties at 500.degree. F., after 1000 hours exposure to 500.degree. F., comprise a tensile strength of 33 ksi or greater, a tensile yield strength of 23 ksi or greater, a tensile elongation of about 9%, and tensile modulus of elasticity of 10 msi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Chia M. Yen, Walter J. Evans
  • Patent number: 5067994
    Abstract: Aluminium alloy and a method of making it, whereby the alloy contains Zr and from 0 to 1% of one or more of the elements Mg, Si, Ag, Ni and Cu, the balance being mainly Al, the alloy being made on the basis of a melt which contains 0.5 to 2% by weight of Zr and which has been cast into particles by being cooled with such a high velocity that the Zr mainly is present in a supersaturated solution. The particles are consolidated and the Zr is precipitated as finely distributed dispersoids after a heat treatment at 300.degree. to 450.degree. C., and the alloy has an electrical conductivity of at least 58% IACS and a 10% softening temperature of at least 400.degree. C. The consolidation may for instance be carried out by extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Raufoss AS
    Inventors: Jens P. Brubak, Bard Eftestol, Ferenc Ladiszlaidesz
  • Patent number: 5066342
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy wrought product having an isotropic texture and a process for preparing the same is disclosed. The product has the ability to develop improved properties in the 45.degree. direction or more uniform properties throughout the thickness and in the short transverse direction in response to an aging treatment and is comprised of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 6.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.1 to 1.0 wt. % Mn, 0.05 to 12 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities. The product has imparted thereto, prior to a hot rolling step, a recrystallization effect to provide therein after hot rolling a metallurgical structure generally lacking intense work texture characteristics. After an aging step, the product has improved levels of properties in the 45.degree. direction or more uniform properties throughout the thickness and in the short transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Roberto J. Rioja, Joel A. Bowers, R. Steve James
  • Patent number: 5053286
    Abstract: An aluminum-lead bearing alloy in continuously cast strip form has a lead content in excess of 1% by volume, 4% by weight. The lead phase consists of uniformly distributed spherical particles no more than 25 microns in diameter, and the content of all other constituents other than aluminum totals not more than 10% by weight, the balance being aluminum. The alloy is used in engine bearings wherein an aluminum-lead alloy lining is bonded to a steel backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: George C. Pratt, Warren J. Whitney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5053084
    Abstract: The present invention provides high-strength, heat resistant aluminum alloys having a composition represented by the general formula:Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.d or Al.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c X.sub.e(wherein M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co and Fe; Q is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting Mn, Cr, Mo, W, V, Ti and Zr; X is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, Hf and Y; and a, b, c, d and e are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges: 45.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.90, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.40, 0<c.ltoreq.12, 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.15 and 0.5.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.10, the aluminum alloy containing at least 50% by volume of amorphous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignees: Yoshida Kogyo K.K., Tsuyoshi Masumoto
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Masumoto, Akihisa Inoue, Katsumasa Odera, Masahiro Oguchi
  • Patent number: 4995920
    Abstract: A process for the production of a series 7000 aluminum alloy (Al-Zn-Cu-Mg) with a high level of mechanical strength and good ductility, by spray deposition. The object is the production of aluminum alloys having an ultimate stress.gtoreq.800 MPa and an elongation.gtoreq.5%, as well as the production of alloys which are reinforced by ceramic particles. According to the process, a solid alloy is formed by spray deposition, the alloy is transformed in the hot condition at between 300.degree. and 450.degree. C. and possibly in the cold condition, and the transformed alloy is subjected to solution treatment, quenching and aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Pechiney Recherche Groupement d'Interet Economique
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Faure, Bruno Dubost
  • Patent number: 4992110
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a wrought aluminum eutectic composite characterized by improved physical properties. The method resides in forming a casting of an aluminum alloy characterized metallographically by the presence of a eutectic structure, and then heat treating the casting at a temperature related to the eutectic-forming temperature of said alloy casting, that is just below its incipient melting point. The heat treatment is continued for a time at least sufficient to convert the morphology of the eutectic to dispersed fine particles of reinforcing phase(s), following which the alloy is physically worked to reduce the cross section thereof and provide a wrought aluminum eutectic composite characterized by improved physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventors: John M. Tartaglia, Thomas B. Cox, Daniel J. Adenis
  • Patent number: 4988394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an unrecrystallized Al-Zn-Mg thin gauge flat rolled product, e.g., plate or sheet, having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of a Zn-Mg containing aluminum base alloy, heating and hot working the body to a first product. This is followed by reheating, cooling and heat treating the first product prior to further working it to a thin gauge, unrecrystallized plate or sheet product, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Alex Cho
  • Patent number: 4973522
    Abstract: A metal matrix composite may be produced by atomizing a stream of molten aluminum-lithium alloy to form a spray of hot metal particles by subjecting the stream to relatively cold gas directed at the stream, applying to the stream or spray fine solid particles of reinforcement e.g. silicon carbide, and depositing the metal having the fine particles incorporated therein. The resulting composite has the following properties in an extruded and age hardened state:0.2% Proof strength - at least 400 MPaTensile strength - at least 440 MPaElongation - at least 2.0%Modulus of elasticity - at least 85 GPaDensity - maximum 2.75 Mg/m.sup.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Richard M. Jordan, John White, Treve C. Willis
  • Patent number: 4955413
    Abstract: The invention concerns an Al alloy product containing lithium, with great specific mechanical strength and high tolerance to damage, particularly resistance to corrosion under stress in processed state (quenched-tempered), particularly in recrystallized state, and a process to obtain said product.The products according to the invention present a specific microstructure, with numerous rather coarse precipitates of intermetallic phases which are rich in Al, Cu, Li, Mg and optionally also Zn, of which the volume fraction is between 0.6 and 4%. A differential enthalpic analysis allows verification that the product has been processed according to the method which is claimed.This method consists of applying the following thermal treatments to the alloy:an optional heat maintenance stage in the course of the manufacture (for wrought alloys) or before placement in solution (for the cast alloys) at a temperature of between 490.degree. and 250.degree. C. for 1 to 48 hours.a placement in solution between 460.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Cegedur Societe de Transformation de l'Aluminum Pechiney
    Inventors: Philippe Meyer, Bruno Dubost
  • Patent number: 4921548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an unrecrystallized wrought aluminum-lithium product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy; heating the body to a hot working temperature and hot working the body to a first product. The product is cold worked to a second wrought product and then reheated while avoiding substantial recrystallization thereof, the reheating adapted to relieve stored energy capable of causing recrystallization during a subsequent heat treating step. The product is then solution heat treated, quenched and aged to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Chul W. Cho
  • Patent number: 4919736
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy for abrasion resistant die castings comprising by weight, 6.0 to 9.0% Cu, 0.5 to 2.0% Mn, 1.6 to 3.0% Fe, 3% or less Mg, together with 13.5 to 20.0% Si, 0.5% or less Ni, an inevitable impurity of 0.3% or less Sn, and the remainder being Al, prepared by crystallizing out primary Si crystals of Si and Al-Fe-Mn-Si compounds and by forming a solid solution with Cu and Mg in the alloy's matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Ryobi Limited
    Inventors: Naomi Nishi, Yosuke Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4915747
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an unrecrystallized, thin gauge cold rolled aluminum-lithium sheet product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy, heating the body to a hot rolling temperature, and hot rolling the body to a first intermediate sheet product. After cold rolling to a second intermediate thickness, the sheet product is reheated and hot rolled to produce a final sheet product while avoiding substantial recrystallization there, the hot rolling adapted to relieve stored energy capable of initiating recrystallization during a subsequent heat treating step. Thereafter, the sheet product is solution heat treated, quenched and aged to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Chul W. Cho
  • Patent number: 4915748
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy having a composition selected from:(i)Cr 1.5% to 7.0% by weightZr 0.5% to 2.5% by weightMn 0.25% to 4.0% by weightAl remainder including normal impurities, and(ii) 7000 series Al alloys containing as added constituents:Cr 0.5% to 3.0% by weightZr 0.5% to 2.5% by weightMn 0.1% to 2.0% by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Alcan International
    Inventor: William S. Miller
  • Patent number: 4906534
    Abstract: Aluminum thin plates which are used as fins of a heat exchanger can be manufactured, as described in the claims, by controlling the composition of an aluminum alloy, which is used as a core material, and controlling the cold rolling reduction ratio of a clad material composed of the core material and a skin material, after hot rolling. The thus manufactured aluminum thin plates for brazing are excellent in high-temperature sagging resistance and sacrificial anodic effect, whereby it is possible to make the fins thinner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Furukawa Aluminum Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Bekki, Shigenori Asami, Kazunori Ishikawa, Takeyoshi Doko, Eiji Itaya
  • Patent number: 4897125
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for final heat treatment tempering at Al alloys containing Li and at least one other major element selected from the group Cu, Mg and Zn, as well as possible minor elements such as Zr, Mn, Cr, Ni, Hf, Ti and Be, in addition to inevitable impurities such as Fe and Si. The treatment involves a principal tempering operation which takes place at a time and temperature in an area defined by a parallelogram on a temperature log-time diagram, whose corners have the following coordinates: (A) 270.degree. C.--3 min; (B) 270.degree. C.--48 min; (C) 225.degree. C.--9 hrs 30 min; (D) 225.degree. C.--35 min. The heat treatment makes it possible to produce a satisfactory array of mechanical characteristics such as mechanical strength, ductility, or toughness and resistance to corrosion, which are higher than those achieved by means of conventional treatments of type T6 or by under-ageing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventors: Bruno Dubost, Max Reboul, Pierre Sainfort
  • Patent number: 4897126
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy wrought product having improved corrosion resistance in addition to combinations of strength and toughness. The product comprises 2.2 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.4 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 0.2 to 1.6 wt. % Cu, 0 to 2.0 wt. % Mn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities and has the ability to develop improved combinations of strength and toughness in response to an aging treatment. Prior to an aging step, the product having imparted thereto a working effect equivalent to stretching so that after an aging step it has improved combinations of strength and toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Philip E. Bretz, Ralph R. Sawtell, Warren H. Hunt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4894096
    Abstract: The invention relates to aluminum alloy products containing 1 to 3.5% Li, up to 4% Cu, up to 5% Mg and up to 3% Zr, and additions of Mn, Cr and/or Zr, in which:Zn.ltoreq.0.10%, Mn.ltoreq.0.8%, and Cr.ltoreq.0.20%, ##EQU1## The alloy is recrystallized and has an average grain size of less than 200 .mu.m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cegedur Pechiney
    Inventor: Philippe Meyer
  • Patent number: 4861391
    Abstract: A method for thermally treating an article made from an aluminum alloy having a first temperature at which solute atoms cluster to yield nuclei for the formation and growth of strengthening precipitates, and a second higher temperature at which the strengthening precipitates dissolve. The method comprises: heating the article to allow substantially all soluble alloy components to enter into solution; rapidly cooling the article in a quenching medium; and precipitation hardening the article by aging at or below the first temperature for a few hours to several months; then aging above the first temperature and below the second temperature until desired strength is achieved. A method for imparting improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness to a solution heat treated-article which includes an aluminum-lithium alloy is also disclosed. This method comprises aging the article at one or more temperatures at or below a first temperature of about 93.degree. C. (200.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Roberto J. Rioja, Edward L. Colvin, Asuri K. Vasudevan, Brian A. Cheney
  • Patent number: 4844750
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making lithium containing aluminum base alloy products having improved properties in the short transverse direction. The method comprises the steps of providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy and heating the body to a temperature for initial hot working but at a temperature sufficiently low that a substantial amount of grain boundary precipitate is not dissolved. The method further includes hot working the heated body to provide an intermediate product, recrystallizing the intermediate product and then hot working the recrystallized product to a final shaped product. The final shaped product is solution heat treated, quenched and aged to provide a non-recrystallized final product having improved levels of short transverse properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Chul Won Cho, Ralph R. Sawtell
  • Patent number: 4840682
    Abstract: The combination of strength and fracture toughness properties of aluminum-lithium alloys are significantly enhanced by underaging the alloys at temperatures ranging from 200.degree. F. to below 300.degree. F. for relatively long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: R. Eugene Curtis, G. Hari Narayanan, William E. Quist
  • Patent number: 4832737
    Abstract: A high temperature-resistant aluminum alloy is disclosed, comprising an aluminum matrix containing a dispersion mixture of reinforcing aluminum-iron particles with 2-16% nickel and/or cobalt, 1-6% copper and 1-3% manganese. The weight ratio of the copper to manganese is between about 2:1 and 1:1, and the intermetallic phases of the type AlCuMn, Al.sub.3 Ni and/or Al.sub.9 Co.sub.2 are present in spherical forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Vereinigte Aluminium-Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ignaz Mathy, Gunther Scharf
  • Patent number: 4820488
    Abstract: At least about 0.1 percent by weight of indium is added as an essential component to an alloy which precipitates a T.sub.1 phase (Al.sub.2 CuLi). This addition enhances the nucleation of the precipitate T.sub.1 phase, producing a microstructure which provides excellent strength as indicated by Rockwell Hardness values and confirmed by standard tensile tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Linda B. Blackburn, Edgar A. Starke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4816087
    Abstract: A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a lithium-containing aluminum base alloy comprised of 0.5 to 4.0 wt. % Li, 0 to 5.0 wt. % Cu, 0 to 5.0 wt. % Mg, 0.10 to 1.0 wt. % of a grain structure control element selected from the class consisting of Zr, Cr, Hf, Ti, V, Sc, and Mn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, and 5 wt. % max. Si, with the balance consisting essentially of aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; heating the body to a high presoak temperature to homogenize the alloy; cooling the alloy to a first hot working temperature; reheating the alloy, after hot working, back to a high annealing temperature; cooling the alloy to a second hot working temperature to produce a first product; reheating the alloy to a lower annealing temperature; and then cold working the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Chul W. Cho
  • Patent number: 4812178
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for final heat treatment ageing of Al alloys optionally containing Li and at least one other major element selected from the group Cu, Mg and Zn, as well as possible minor elements such as Zr, Mn, Cr, Ni, Hf, Ti and Be, in addition to inevitable impurities such as Fe and Si. The treatment involves a principal ageing operation which takes place at a time and temperature in an area defined by a parallelogram on a temperature log-time diagram, whose corners have the following coordinates: A 270.degree. C.-3 min; B 270.degree. C.-48 min; C 225.degree. C.-9 hrs 30 min; D 225.degree. C.-35 min. The heat treatment makes it possible to produce a satisfactory array of mechanical characteristics such as mechanical strength, ductility, or toughness and resistance to corrosion, which are higher than those achieved by means of conventional treatments of type T6 or by under-ageing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Bruno Dubost
  • Patent number: 4808374
    Abstract: A method for producing aluminum alloy castings and the resulting product having improved toughness. An Al-Si or Al-Si-Cu alloy containing 4 to 24 wt % of silicon, iron and other incidental impurities, the balance being aluminum is melted, and the melt is heated to a temperature between 780.degree. C. and 950.degree. C. The melt is poured into a mold and there solidified. A solution heat treatment and aging are then conducted. The process is suitable for an alloy containing 0.25 to 1.4 wt % of iron. In a preferred embodiment, the alloy consists essentially of 6 to 12 wt % Si, 2 wt % Cu, 0.2 to 0.4 wt % Mg and other incidental impurities, the balance being aluminum. The solution heat treatment is preferably carried out by heating between 525.degree. 545.degree. C. for a period of 1 to 5 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Yoji Awano, Yoshihiro Shimizu, Junichi Takabatake
  • Patent number: 4806174
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy wrought product having an isotropic texture and a process for preparing the same is disclosed. The product has the ability to develop improved properties in the 45.degree. direction in response to an aging treatment and is comprised of 0.5 to 4.0 wt.% Li, 0 to 5.0 wt.% Mg, up to 5.0 wt.% Cu, 0 to 1.0 wt.% Zr, 0 to 2.0 wt.% Mn, 0 to 7.0 wt.% Zn, 0.5 wt.% max. Fe, 0.5 wt.% max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities. The product has imparted thereto, prior to a hot rolling step, a recrystallization effect to provide therein after hot rolling a metallurgical structure generally lacking intense work texture characteristics. After an aging step, the product has improved levels of properties in the 45.degree. direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Chul W. Cho, Ralph R. Sawtell
  • Patent number: 4797165
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy wrought product having improved corrosion resistance in addition to combinations of strength and toughness. The product comprises 2.2 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.4 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 0.2 to 1.6 wt. % Cu, 0 to 2.0 wt. % Mn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities and has the ability to develop improved combinations of strength and toughness in response to an aging treatment. Prior to an aging step, the product having imparted thereto a working effect equivalent to stretching so that after an aging step it has improved combinations of strength and toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Philip E. Bretz, Ralph R. Sawtell, Warren H. Hunt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4790884
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making aluminum base alloy flat rolled product substantially free of Luder's lines after stretching, the method comprising the steps of providing a body of a lithium-containing aluminum base alloy and working the body to produce a flat rolled product prior to solution heat treating and quenching. The flat rolled product is preaged for a time and temperature which does not substantially affect mechanical properties but which permits stretching the flat rolled product without formation of Luder's lines. Thereafter, the preage flat rolled product is stretched and aged to a condition having a substantially stable level of mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Kenton P. Young, Edward L. Colvin, Joel A. Bowers, Robert W. Westerlund
  • Patent number: 4721537
    Abstract: A method is provided for imparting a very fine grain size to aluminum alloys, including alloys in the form of sheet or heavy sections such as forging billets. The alloy is first aged to form precipitates. The aged alloy is then deformed along its three principal axes in successive operations until a cummulative true strain of at least 8 is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Amit K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 4720434
    Abstract: A composite material is made from silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride short fibers embedded in a matrix of metal. The metal is an alloy consisting essentially of between approximately 2% to approximately 6% of copper, between approximately 0.5% to approximately 3% of silicon, and remainder substantially aluminum. The short fibers may be all silicon carbide short fibers, or may be all silicon nitride short fibers, or may be a mixture of silicon carbide and silicon nitride short fibers. The fiber volume proportion of the silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride short fibers may desirably be between approximately 5% and approximately 50%, and may more desirably be between approximately 5% and approximately 40%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Kubo, Tadashi Dohnomoto, Atsuo Tanaka, Hidetoshi Hirai
  • Patent number: 4661172
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low density aluminum-base alloy, consisting essentially of the formula Al.sub.bal Zr.sub.a Li.sub.b Mg.sub.c T.sub.d, wherein T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Si, Sc, Ti, V, Hf, Be, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni, "a" ranges from about 0.25-2 wt %, "b" ranges from 2.7-5 wt %, "c" ranges from about 0.5-8 wt %, "d" ranges from about 0.5-5% and the balance is aluminum. The alloy has a primary, cellular-dendritic, fine-grained, supersaturated aluminum alloy solid solution phase with intermetallic phases of the constituent elements uniformly dispersed therein. A consolidated article can be produced by compacting together particles composed of the aluminum alloy of the invention in a vacuum at elevated temperature. The compacted alloy is solutionized by heat treatment, quenched in a fluid bath, and optionally, stretched and aged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Allied Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Skinner, Kenji Okazaki, Colin M. Adam
  • Patent number: 4659396
    Abstract: A method including providing aluminum having particles for stimulating nucleation of new grains, and deforming the aluminum under conditions for causing recrystallization to occur during deformation or thereafter, without subsequent heating being required to effect recrystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Bernard W. Lifka, John Liu, Roger D. Doherty
  • Patent number: 4648913
    Abstract: An aluminum base alloy wrought product suitable for aging and having the ability to develop improved strength in response to an aging treatment without impairing fracture toughness properties is disclosed. The product is comprised of 0.5 to 4.0 wt. % Li, 0 to 5.0 wt. % Mg, up to 5.0 wt. % Cu, 0 to 1.0 wt. % Zr, 0 to 2.0 wt. % Mn, 0 to 7.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities. The product has imparted thereto, prior to an aging step, a working effect equivalent to stretching an amount greater than 3% in order that, after said aging, improved strength and fracture toughness combinations are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Warren H. Hunt, Jr., Ralph R. Sawtell, Philip E. Bretz
  • Patent number: 4624717
    Abstract: A method of producing sheet or strip from a rolling ingot of an aluminum alloy which contains lithium and constituents selected from the following groups 1 and 2:Group 1--deliberately added magnesium, copper and zinc;Group 2--Zirconium manganese, chromium, titanium, iron and nickel;comprising hot rolling the rolling ingot in one or more stages to produce a hot blank; holding the hot blank at a temperature and for a time which causes substantially all of the lithium and substantially all of any of the Group 1 constituents present to be in solid solution; positively cooling the hot blank; subjecting the cooled blank to a further heat treatment to reprecipitate those age hardening phases in solid solution, continuing the heat treatment to produce a coarse overaged morphology and thereafter cold rolling the blank to form a sheet or strip which at any position therein and in any direction therefrom has properties of elongation that vary from those in the rolling direction by no more than 2.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: William S. Miller
  • Patent number: 4618382
    Abstract: Sheets of high strength superplastic Al--Zn--Mg alloys or Al--Cu alloys which having a maximum grain size below 30 .mu.m on average are described. These alloy sheets are obtained by a method which is characterized by keeping a homogenized and hot worked ingot of the alloy at two different temperatures for sufficient times whereby a fine grain structure is formed in the alloy to impart superplasticity to the alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Miyagi, Mitsuo Hino, Takehiko Eto
  • Patent number: 4596609
    Abstract: A thermomechanical method for forging a precipitation-hardenable aluminum alloy workpiece comprises the steps of: (1) solution heat treating the workpiece to achieve a substantially homnogeneous supersaturated solid solution of the alloy throughout the workpiece; (2) partially aging the workpiece at a temperature sufficient to cause second-phase precipitate particles to form in the workpiece, the aging of the workpiece continuing until the precipitate particles acquire a size sufficient to restrict dislocation movement in the workpiece during subsequent forging without substantially hindering workability of the alloy; and (3) mechanically working the workpiece isothermally at the temperature at which aging of the workpiece occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott H. Rennhack
  • Patent number: 4594222
    Abstract: A dispersion strengthened aluminum-base alloy system is provided which is prepared by mechanical alloying and is characterized by an improved continuation of properties over binary aluminum-lithium alloys. The alloy system contains, by weight, about 0.5% up to about 4% Li, about 0.05 up to about 2% carbon, about 0.1 up to about 3% oxygen, at least one of the elements magnesium or copper in an amount of up to about 5% each, provided the total amount of said magnesium and copper does not exceed about 8%, and a dispersion strengthening agent in the amount of about 2% up to about 8% by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Heck, Stephen J. Donachie, Howard F. Merrick
  • Patent number: 4522784
    Abstract: In the production of alloys, particularly Al alloys, by a continuous casting process a supplementary alloy stream is continuously fed into a main metal stream running to the casting mould. The supplementary alloy stream preferably amounts to 1-20% of the main metal stream and has a liquidus temperature above the temperature of the main metal stream so that on contact with the main metal stream, intermetallic phases are precipitated very rapidly as a result of the high chill rates.This mode of casting reduces the risk of coarse primary particles when casting alloys of high alloying element content. The supplementary alloy stream need not be based on the same metal as the main metal stream. The method is considered suitable for the addition of various metals, such as Zr, Mn, Cu, Fe, to aluminium and aluminium alloys to overcome a variety of difficulties and to produce alloy products of improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Philip G. Enright, Ian R. Hughes, Richard M. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4471030
    Abstract: An aluminum base bearing alloy having outstanding seizure resistance, fatigue resistance and wear resistance and having particular utility as a thrust bearing, is provided. The alloy comprises, in addition to aluminum, 0.5-5 wt. % Si contained in the alloy in the form of at least 5 nodular Si particles having a diameter of at least 5 .mu.m per 9.56.times.10.sup.-2 (mm).sup.2 of cross-sectional area of the alloy. The bearing alloy may optionally contain at least one additional element selected from Cu, Mg, Mn and Cr. A bearing material is provided by pressure welding the aluminum base bearing alloy to a backing steel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Fukuoka, Souzi Kamiya, Hiroshi Kanemitsu