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Technology:
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For high temperature aerospace application, Ti alloys are often utilized to produce structural parts. However, the cost has often been the drawback. Finding an alternative has motivated the development of advanced aluminum alloys to satisfy the requirement of titanium alloys. Researchers of the University of California, Irvine, have developed a new class of elevated-temperature aluminum based materials by incorporating the concept of metal matrix composites into designs. This novel class of aluminum - lithium alloys cast as metal matrix composites are developed as a lightweight replacement for conventional high strength aerospace aluminum alloys. Addition of lithium to aluminum lowers the density and enhances stiffness and strength of the alloy.
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