Speaker
Description
Abstract. This review article aims to systematize and critically examine recent developments in aluminium alloys and their applications in the aerospace industry. Particular emphasis is placed on the principal classes of aluminium alloys used in aeronautical and space engineering, with attention to their chemical composition, microstructural features, processing routes, and resulting functional performance. The discussion focuses on the key properties that underpin their technological importance, including low density, high specific strength, corrosion resistance, fatigue performance, fracture toughness, and thermal stability.
The review further explores the role of aluminium alloys in the manufacture of primary and secondary aerospace structures, such as fuselage panels, wing components, internal load-bearing elements, and fuel system parts, where weight reduction and mechanical reliability are of critical importance. In addition, attention is given to contemporary approaches for improving alloy performance through alloying, heat treatment, thermomechanical processing, and surface engineering.
Furthermore, the article considers the evolving position of aluminium alloys relative to other advanced aerospace materials, including titanium alloys and polymer-matrix composites, in response to current design and performance requirements. Economic and environmental aspects are also briefly addressed, particularly in relation to sustainability, recyclability, and long-term operational reliability. Owing to their favorable combination of manufacturability, structural efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, aluminium alloys remain among the most important engineering materials in aerospace applications. Their continued development is essential for enhancing vehicle performance, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and meeting increasingly stringent safety and durability requirements in modern aerospace systems.