US5137686A — Aluminum-lithium alloys

Claim 1

Independent Claim 123 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength, corrosion resistance and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 123 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength, corrosion resistance and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Li is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. %.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Li is in the range of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. %.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Mg is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Zn is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Zr is in the range of 0.05 to 0.12 wt. %.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 1 wherein Cu is in the range of 2.55 to 2.90 wt. %.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 86 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.9 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 86 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.9 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 86 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 86 words

An aluminum base alloy suitable for forming into a wrought product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 60 words

A product in accordance with claim 9 wherein the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter of at least 1.0×10 15 in an unstretched condition prior to aging and having a specific strength of greater than 0.75×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 173 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 173 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 171 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitate per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 171 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitate per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Li is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. %.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Li is in the range of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. %.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Mg is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Zn is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Zr is in the range of 0.08 to 0.12 wt. %.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 11 wherein Cu is in the range of 2.55 to 2.90 wt. %.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 30 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.1 to less than 1.0 when Mg is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 16 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.2 to 0.9.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 16 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.3 to 0.8.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 137 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.55 to 2.90 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 137 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.55 to 2.90 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy product having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 130 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.2 to 0.8 inches and having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 130 words

A lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities, the alloy having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.2 to 0.8 inches and having a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product having a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 16 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 wherein the product is a recrystallized sheet product.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 15 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 wherein the product is an unrecrystallized product.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 16 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 wherein the product is a recrystallized plate product.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

The alloy product in accordance with claim 11 wherein the product is an unrecrystallized plate product.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 182 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium wrought product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot working the body to provide a wrought product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 182 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium wrought product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental elements and impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot working the body to provide a wrought product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method in accordance with claim 28 wherein hot rolling is performed at a temperature in the range of 750° to 1000° F.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method in accordance with claim 28 wherein the hot rolling is performed at a temperature in the range of 850° to 975° F.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method in accordance with claim 28 wherein the plate product is solution heat treated at a temperature in the range of 900° to 1050° F.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Li is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. %.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Li is in the range of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. %.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Mg is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Zn is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Zr is in the range of 0.05 to 0.12 wt. %.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 28 wherein Cu is in the range of 2.55 to 2.90 wt. %.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.55 to 2.90 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.55 to 2.90 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 144 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. % Li, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 2.9 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 180 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 180 words

A method of producing an unrecrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 164 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy having Cu greater than 2.45 wt. %, having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.1 to less than 1.0 when Mg is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter of at least 1.0×10 15 in an unstretched condition prior to aging and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.75×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 164 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy having Cu greater than 2.45 wt. %, having an Mg-Zn ratio of 0.1 to less than 1.0 when Mg is in the range of 0.1 to 1.0 wt. %; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter of at least 1.0×10 15 in an unstretched condition prior to aging and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.75×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.01 to 0.16 wt. % Zr, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.01 to 0.16 wt. % Zr, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of producing a flat rolled product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base Cu, Mg, Zn alloy product having improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness, the alloy consisting essentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the product has a solid state plate-shaped precipitate in the family of 1,0,0 planes, the alloy product developing a number density of precipitates per cubic centimeter in the range of 1×10 16 to 5.6×10 16 and having a specific tensile yield strength of greater than 0.8×10 6 ksi in 3 /lb.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 186 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide said plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a recrystallized plate product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 186 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium plate product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, at least one of the elements selected from the group Cr, V, Hf, Mn, Ti and Zr, with Cr, V, Ti and Zr in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 wt. % and Hf and Mn up to 0.6 wt. % each, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide said plate product; and (d) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a recrystallized plate product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method in accordance with claim 44 wherein hot rolling is performed at a temperature in the range of 800° to 850° F.

Claim 61

Independent Claim 184 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium sheet product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness an d corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.15 wt. % Zr, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a first product; (d) annealing said first product; (e) cold rolling said first product to a second wrought product to achieve at least a 25% reduction in gauge to provide a sheet product; and (f) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized sheet product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 62

Independent Claim 184 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium sheet product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness an d corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting essentially of 0.2 to 5.0 wt. % Li, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Mg, at least 2.45 wt. % Cu, 0.05 to 0.15 wt. % Zr, 0.05 to 2.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a first product; (d) annealing said first product; (e) cold rolling said first product to a second wrought product to achieve at least a 25% reduction in gauge to provide a sheet product; and (f) solution heat treating, quenching and aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized sheet product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method in accordance with claim 46 wherein annealing is performed at a temperature in the range of 800° to 850° F.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method in accordance with claim 46 wherein solution heat treating is performed at a temperature in the range of 950° to 1020° F. with a heat-up rate of not lower than 10° F./min.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method in accordance with claim 46 wherein solution heat treating is performed at a temperature in the range of 950° to 1020° F. with a heat-up rate of not lower than 200° F./min.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Li is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 wt. %.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Li is in the range of 1.8 to 2.5 wt. %.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Mg is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Zn is in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Zr is in the range of 0.05 to 0.12 wt. %.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 19 words

The alloy in accordance with claim 46 wherein Cu is in the range of 2.55 to 2.90 wt. %.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 183 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium sheet product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting esentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a first product; (d) annealing said first product; (e) cold rolling said first product to a second wrought product to achieve at least a 25% reduction in gauge to provide a sheet product; and (f) solution heat treating, quenching an aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized sheet product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Claim 73

Independent Claim 183 words

A method of producing a recrystallized aluminum-lithium sheet product having improved levels of strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy consisting esentially of 1.9 to 2.4 wt. % Li, 0.1 to 0.6 wt. % Mg, 2.5 to 3.0 wt. % Cu, 0.08 to 0.12 wt. % Zr, 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % Zn, 0.5 wt. % max. Fe, 0.5 wt. % max. Si, Mg and Zn maintained in a ratio in the range of 0.1 to less than 1, the balance aluminum and incidental impurities; (b) heating the body to a hot working temperature in the range of 800° to 1000° F.; (c) hot rolling the body to provide a first product; (d) annealing said first product; (e) cold rolling said first product to a second wrought product to achieve at least a 25% reduction in gauge to provide a sheet product; and (f) solution heat treating, quenching an aging said product to provide a substantially unrecrystallized sheet product having improved levels of strength and fracture toughness.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1995-08-11	1996-02-10	1996-08-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1999-08-11	2000-02-10	2000-08-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2003-08-11	2004-02-10	2004-08-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Aluminum-lithium alloys

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