Aluminum uses in Aircraft

Aluminum is an amazing metal that has transformed many different industries over the past hundred years. Because of aluminum's advantages over other metals, including its light weight and incredible strength, aircraft rely on the material as a safe, affordable, and viable mode of transportation.

The two most prominent reasons why aluminum is so indispensable to the aerospace industry have already been mentioned. As one of the metals with the highest strength-to-weight ratio, its value to the aerospace industry is clear. The airframe must be strong enough to withstand the stress of takeoff and landing. At the same time, if the metal is too heavy, this will require more fuel to be consumed during the flight. This means that aluminum is often the most cost-effective option for aircraft.

Strength and weight are not the only advantages of aluminum; another major advantage of aluminum alloys is their corrosion resistance. This is the main factor that affects the durability of the aircraft. Aircraft are often affected by a variety of factors and often experience extreme climates; freezing temperatures found at high altitudes and exposure to various types of precipitation, including snow and torrential rain. Aluminum is known for its ability to resist environmental corrosion.

In addition, aluminum also happens to be extremely malleable. This is a blessing for the aircraft industry, which requires a high degree of precision to ensure maximum aerodynamic performance, not to mention all the small parts that can be found on an aircraft. Aluminum is easy to manufacture and process, making it another area where you can save money over alternative materials.

Aluminum is also aesthetically pleasing; while it's not the most important consideration, it doesn't hurt because no one wants to fly in a vehicle that isn't visually appealing (perhaps the Millennium Falcon is the only exception).

It is estimated that 80% of the metal components in today's aircraft are aluminum.

First and most obvious, most of the other metal parts on the plane are made of aluminum.

Most of the metal fixtures in aircraft, such as seats, doors, cabinets, etc., are made of aluminum. High-performance plastics are now used in many overhead luggage, but it is still uncommon to see other metals inside aircraft. In fact, the only airframe components that are usually made of metals other than aluminum are those where strength is critical, such as landing gear. In these cases, highly alloyed specialty metals are used.

Since the aircraft (and aerospace) industry is so specialized, it's no surprise that aircraft rely on specific high-performance alloys. The alloy most closely associated with aircraft applications is 7075.

7075 is known for its excellent mechanical properties as well as ductility, high strength, toughness and fatigue resistance. 7075 is strong enough to rival low-alloy stainless steel grades, and its reliability has made it a favorite of the aircraft industry since World War II.

More recently, newer, higher performing alloys have been developed and replaced 7075 as the most popular choice in some aerospace applications. An example is 2024, whose chemistry makes it ideal for situations where high cycle fatigue strength is a concern.

2024-T3 This is the most common high-strength aluminum alloy. It has premium quality for use in aircraft. 2024-T3 aluminum sheet is considered an aircraft alloy for its strength and fatigue resistance. Soldering is not recommended. Basically, the uses of 2024-T3 Alclad aluminum sheet are fuselage and wing skins, fairings, aircraft structures, and because of its shiny finish (2024-T3 Alclad) for repair and restoration. Its ultimate strength is 62000 PSI and the shear strength is 40000 PSI. To learn more about other grades of aluminum sheet used in aircraft, visit China 2024 T3 sheet dealers.