An Overview of High-Performance Aircraft Structural Al Alloy-AA7085

AA7085 Al alloy is a new-generation, high-strength, quench-insensitive alloy that features in airframe applications such as massive bulkhead and wing spars structures in Airbus A380 and Joint Strike Fighter aircrafts. This alloy has a great potential in replacing currently used high-strength AA7xxx alloys in many international and national military aircraft programs [Hawk, Su-30, MiG series, light combat aircraft (Tejas), Hindustan turbo/jet trainer, light combat helicopter, advanced light helicopter, and fifth-generation fighter aircrafts]. An effort has been made to highlight the processing, heat treatment, properties and applications of the AA7085 Al alloy from the existing literature on the AA7085 alloy. The potential applications of this alloy are presented and compared with the currently used AA7075 Al alloy. A typical process cycle involved in the manufacturing of wrought AA7085 alloy products is described in detail. Particularly, the precipitation mechanisms involved in the different temper conditions are critically reviewed with the supporting microstructures. The mechanical properties with a particular emphasis on tensile, fatigue, and fracture toughness properties are discussed in detail based on the analysis of experimental data. The effects of temper conditions on the stress corrosion cracking and exfoliation corrosion have also been reviewed critically.