Brian A Cheney

US Patent:

48613916, Aug 29, 1989

Filed:

Dec 14, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/132889

Inventors:

Roberto J. Rioja - Lower Burrell PA
Edward L. Colvin - Pittsburgh PA
Asuri K. Vasudevan - Pittsburgh PA
Brian A. Cheney - Leechburg PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C22F 104

US Classification:

148 127A

Abstract:

A method for thermally treating an article made from an aluminum alloy having a first temperature at which solute atoms cluster to yield nuclei for the formation and growth of strengthening precipitates, and a second higher temperature at which the strengthening precipitates dissolve. The method comprises: heating the article to allow substantially all soluble alloy components to enter into solution; rapidly cooling the article in a quenching medium; and precipitation hardening the article by aging at or below the first temperature for a few hours to several months; then aging above the first temperature and below the second temperature until desired strength is achieved. A method for imparting improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness to a solution heat treated-article which includes an aluminum-lithium alloy is also disclosed. This method comprises aging the article at one or more temperatures at or below a first temperature of about 93. degree. C. (200. degree. F. ) for a few hours to several months; and further aging the article at one or more temperatures above the first temperature and below a second temperature of about 219. degree. C. (425. degree. F.

US Patent:

51511363, Sep 29, 1992

Filed:

Dec 27, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/634901

Inventors:

Jeffrey J. Witters - Pittsburgh PA
Brian A. Cheney - Bettendorf IA
Roberto J. Rioja - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C22F 104

US Classification:

148689

Abstract:

Disclosed is a method of making lithium-containing aluminum base alloy extrusion having at least a section thereof having a low aspect ratio, the extrusions having improved properties in sections thereof having the low aspect ratio. The method comprises providing a body of a lithium-containing aluminum alloy, extruding a low aspect ratio extrusion section, the aspect ratio being in the range of 1 to 2. 5, and maintaining the body in a temperature range of 400. degree. to 1000. degree. F. and at least a 4:1 extrusion reduction during said extrusion step, the extrusion section having tensile yield strength of at least 60 ksi and having an ultimate yield strength of at least 4. 5 ksi greater than the tensile yield strength.