Review of cryogenic mechanical and thermal properties of Al-Li alloys and Alloy 2219

Abstract

Abstract : The review of cryogenic mechanical and thermal properties presented here is part of a broader NIST program to assess new high-strength Al-Li alloys for use in the cryogenic tankage of the Advanced Launch System. This program is sponsored by the Air Force Systems Command, Astronautics Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, with Bao Nguyen, Task Manager. It is part of the Materials and Process Validation (3101) of the Structures, Materials, and Manufacturing (3000) portion of the ALS Advanced Development Program. Since the purpose of the NIST program has been to assess the relative suitability of high-strength Al-Li alloys and alloy 2219 for us in ALS cryogenic tanks, data on Al-Li alloys 8090, 2090, WeldaliteTM 049, and Al alloy 2219 have been included in the survey. Properties covered in this survey are tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, fracture toughness, elastic constants, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and thermal expansion.