Light Weight Alloys

This proceedings volume from the 2001 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition covers advances made in the area of scientific understanding of technological application of lightweight alloys. Papers focus on fundamental science as well as application and concentrate on scientific advances in aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and beryllium alloys and their composites. Processing, structure-property relationship, failure mechanisms, and advanced joining themes are also discussed.

This proceedings volume from the 2001 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition covers advances made in the area of scientific understanding of technological application of lightweight alloys. Papers focus on fundamental science as well as application and concentrate on scientific advances in aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and beryllium alloys and their composites. Processing, structure-property relationship, failure mechanisms, and advanced joining themes are also discussed.

There is growing interest in light metallic alloys for a wide number of applications owing to their processing efficiency, processability, long service life, and environmental sustainability. Aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloys are addressed in this Special Issue, however, the predominant role played by aluminum. The collection of papers published here covers a wide range of topics that generally characterize the performance of the alloys after manufacturing by conventional and innovative processing routes.

Lightweight alloys have become of great importance in engineering for construction of transportation equipment. At present, the metals that serve as the base of the principal light alloys are aluminum and magnesium. One of the most important lightweight alloys are the aluminum alloys in use for several applications (structural components wrought aluminum alloys, parts and plates). However, some casting parts that have low cost of production play important role in aircraft parts. Magnesium and its alloys are among the lightest of all metals and the sixth most abundant metal on earth. Magnesium is ductile and the most machinable of all metals. Many of these light weight alloys have appropriately high strength to warrant their use for structural purposes, and as a result of their use, the total weight of transportation equipment has been considerably decreased.

An expert exposition of the structural and mechanical properties of light alloys and composites, bridging the gap between scientists and industrial engineers in its consideration of advanced light materials, their structure, properties, technology and application. Includes basic problems of alloy constitution and phase transformations. The aluminium alloys are the main topic of the book, consideration being given to their properties, casting technology, thermomechanical treatment and structure. Attention is also given to the magnesium alloys, particularly those having rare earth metal constituents. Both commercial titanium alloys and intermetallic compounds are discussed, as are metallic composites. The latest engineering techniques are discussed in both theoretical and practical terms.