Lightweight materials for aircraft applications

Reducing structural weight is one of the major ways to improve aircraft performance. Lighter and/or stronger materials allow greater range and speed and may also contribute to reducing operational costs. The article reviews some recent developments in lightweight materials for airframe components (aluminum alloys, composites, and hybrid materials) and engine components (titanium aluminides and titanium-based composites). Emphasis is placed on microstructural characterization and the relationship between the microstructure and mechanical properties of specific materials systems being investigated at the National Research Councilʹs Institute for Aerospace Research.