Overview of research on aerospace metallic structural materials

Abstract

The sponsored research program of the U.S. Air force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) contributes to the fundamental knowledge required for improving the performance, cost and reliability of aerospace structural materials. The program studies a broad range materials properties of ambient and elevated temperatures, such as strength, toughness, fatigue resistance and corrosion resistance of airframe, turbine engine and spacecraft materials. Although past emphasis in this program has focused on titanium-, aluminum- and nickel-based alloys, current emphasis is on refractory alloys, intermetallics and metal matrix composites. A key theme is research on new families of metallic materials beyond currently available traditional systems. Activities relating atomic phenomena to bulk mechanical properties, innovative processing of advanced materials, and utilization of sophisticated laboratory techniques complement the research on materials properties. This paper highlights eight research efforts that have resulted from AFOSR funding.