Fabrication of L1₂ aluminum alloy tanks and other vessels by roll forming, spin forming, and friction stir welding

摘要

A method for producing high strength aluminum alloy tanks and other vessels containing L1₂ dispersoids from an aluminum alloy powder containing the L1₂ dispersoids. The powder is consolidated into a billet having a density of about 100 percent. Tanks are formed by rolling consolidated billets into sheets, cutting preforms from said sheets, roll forming the performs into cylindrical shapes and friction stir welding the seams to form cylinders. L1₂ alloy domes are spin formed from the rolled sheet and friction stir welded to the cylinder. Circular bases are cut from the rolled sheet and friction stir welded to the domed cylinder to form bottoms of the tank.