Creep resistant aluminium alloys and their applications

The CEC funded thematic network CREEPAL (BRRT-CT98-5101) was established in 1998 to collect and disseminate information on the long term creep and thermal mechanical cycling behaviour of aluminium alloys. This paper presents some of the information gathered by consortium members and some additional industrial information related mainly to forging alloys. A short history of the use of aluminium alloys at elevated temperature is presented. The principal considerations required when evaluating aluminium alloys for use at temperatures in the 100-350degreesC range are detailed. The important microstructural mechanisms of creep in aluminium alloys are reviewed and the physical metallurgy of Hiduminium-RR.58 (2618A) is examined. The alloys that have found commercial application at elevated temperature are listed. Recent developments are described and opportunities for further development considered.