ADVANCED LIGHTWEIGHT METALS USING RAPID SOLIDIFICATION.

The use of rapid solidification (RS) to improve the mechanical and physical properties of alloys based on the lightweight metals aluminum, titanium, and magnesium are discussed. The alloying strategies used in the three alloy systems will be presented, and it will be shown how the attributes of RS have been utilized in designing alloys. The paper also dlemonstrates how RS has led to improved high strength/corrosion resistant, elevation temperature and low density aluminum alloys. In the titanium sysem emphasis to date has been on elevated temperature terminal and intermetallic alloys, and recent results will be presented. It will also be shown how RS of magnesium alloys has allowed circumvention of the low strength, low ductility and rapid corrosion rate typical of cast product. Consideration will be given to applications of these improved alloys, and some projections will be made on future developments.