Method of producing a high-energy hydroformed structure from a 2XXX-series alloy

US12152292B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AIRBUS (S.A.S.) · FR

Inventors

• Achim Bürger · Grevesmühlen, DE
• Andreas Harald Bach · Koblenz, DE
• Sabine Maria Spangel · Koblenz, DE
• Philippe Meyer · Koblenz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2024
• Expiry date: Oct 5, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C22F1/057
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of producing an integrated monolithic aluminum structure, comprising: providing an aluminum alloy plate with a thickness of at least 38.1 mm, wherein the plate is a 2xxx-series alloy in a T3-temper and has a composition comprising, in wt. %: Cu 3.8-4.5, Mn 0.3-0.8, Mg 1.1-1.6, Si up to 0.15, Fe up to 0.20, Cr up to 0.10, Zn up to 0.25, Ti up to 0.15, Ag up to 0.10, balance aluminum; optionally pre-machining the plate to an intermediate machined structure; high-energy hydroforming the plate or intermediate structure against a rigid die forming surface having a desired curvature contour of the integrated monolithic aluminum structure, causing the plate or the intermediate structure to conform to the forming surface contour; machining or mechanical milling the high-energy formed structure to a near-final or final machined integrated monolithic aluminum structure; ageing the final integrated monolithic aluminum structure to a desired temper.