Development and industrialization of high performing aluminium components in extreme environment

Purpose and goal

The project has evaluated a new cast aluminium alloy with potential to replace eg titanium. Verification of fatigue properties with the aim of lifting investment cast alloy to TRL level 5 have been performed. The material has not reached the requirements set by the aerospace industry, but results are encouraging. We have shown the possibility to cast A205 by gravity casting in permanent mould. However, the process needs improvement to reach all the way to TRL 4. The project has developed models to simulate heat treatment of materials, one article is published and one manuscript submitted.

Expected results and effects

The results achieved in the project and the potential of the material are promising enough to motivate further work developing the material. The effect of the project is, for example, a continuation project where alternative casting processes will be evaluated in order to raise the TRL level.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has collaborated with Aeromet in England which has cast test material using precision casting. GKN has been responsible for the fatigue testing of the precision cast material and the analysis of the fatigue test has been performed by GKN and RISE. Within the framework of the project, GKN has been responsible for a student who has completed his master thesis project. JU and RISE have worked closely in the development of the heat treatment process. Permanent mould casting of the material has been carried out by Fundo.