Strategies for Successful Consolidation Of Aircraft Structures Using Castings

摘要

Castings have been used on aircraft for many years. These parts however have been relegated to secondary structure, such as doors, handles, inlet rings and other non-structural applications. Recent advancements in the performance of cast aluminum alloys, specifically D357, have allowed several castings to be used as primary, load bearing structure on several airframes. These airframes include the C-17, F-15 and the F/A-18E/F. By understanding the aircraft market and the technological requirements, foundries have the opportunity to successfully consolidate aircraft structures into unitized castings.