US4811766A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Explosively bonded expanded structure
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1987-10-08
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Granted: 1989-03-14
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Expires: 2007-10-08
Abstract
Abstract A method of superplastically forming aluminum alloy composites employs explosive bonding to produce strong, consistent bonds and annealing treatment to produce a fine microstructure in the bonded alloy sheets. The bonded alloy sheets having the fine microstructure can then be formed by superplastic methods to produce complex parts and structural elements.
Inventors
- 👤 Shankar M. Sastry
- 👤 Richard J. Lederich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 21:12
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23K; B23K20/00; B23K20/06; B23K20/08; C; C22; C22F; C22F1/00; C22F1/04; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S420/00; Y10S420/902
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of superplastically forming aluminum composite structures comprising subjecting aluminum stock elements to a heat treatment, explosively bonding a plurality of the stock elements into a unitary structure, subjecting the unitary structure to a second heat treatment, the combination of heat treatments being effective to provide a superplastically formable fine microstructure in the bonded unitary structure and superplastically forming the bonded unitary structure into a complex shape, the explosive bonding being effective to produce a strong, peel resistant bond, between the stock elements, the bond being effective to maintain the unitary condition of the bonded structure during superplastic forming.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method of superplastically forming aluminum composite structures comprising subjecting aluminum stock elements to a heat treatment, explosively bonding a plurality of the stock elements into a unitary structure, subjecting the unitary structure to a second heat treatment, the combination of heat treatments being effective to provide a superplastically formable fine microstructure in the bonded unitary structure and superplastically forming the bonded unitary structure into a complex shape, the explosive bonding being effective to produce a strong, peel resistant bond, between the stock elements, the bond being effective to maintain the unitary condition of the bonded structure during superplastic forming.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the aluminum stock elements are subjected to a plurality of heat treatments prior to bonding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the aluminum stock elements are subjected to a solution heat treatment of between about 450° to 530° C. prior to bonding.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the heat treatment is conducted for between about 0.5 to 10 hours.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the aluminum stock elements are subjected to an over aging heat treatment of between about 350° to 450° C.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the over aging heat treatment is conducted for between about 1 to 20 hours.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the bonded unitary structure is subjected to a heat treatment of between about 450° to 530° C..
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the heat treatment is conducted for between about 0.5 to 10 hours.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the heat treatment is a recrystalization annealing treatment and wherein the temperature of the unitary bonded structure is rapidly raised to the temperature of treatment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the temperature of the unitary bonded structure is raised to the treating temperatures in five minutes or less by immersing the structure in a highly conductive medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the temperature of the unitary bonded structure is raised to the treating temperature in three minutes or less by immersing the structure in a salt bath.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the aluminum stock elements are subjected to a solution heat treatment of about 480° C. for about one hour followed by a subsequent over aging treatment of about 400° C. for about six hours and wherein the bonded unitary structure is given a recrystalization treatment of about 480° C. for about one hour.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-03-13 | 1992-09-12 | 1993-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-13 | 1996-09-12 | 1997-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-13 | 2000-09-12 | 2001-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |