The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and industry partners have formed an initiative to reduce cost and lead time for the production of aerospace metallic components.
The Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI) reportedly aims to ‘ensure the continued advancement of metals technologies for the warfighter, industry, and the public consumer’.
‘This group consists of industry members that span the entire aerospace metals supply chain,’ said materials scientist and program manager Eric Burba. He added that members can be given access to research funds that allow them the freedom to think outside of the box for the good of metals technology as a whole. AFRL plans to put the research to use for the further development of combat technologies.
The MAI has been active since 1999 and has developed a new process for making structures for high-temperature applications such as next-generation jet engines, an oxidation-resistant titanium alloy and new alloy technologies for extreme conditions such as high-pressure, oxygen-rich environments resulted in a high-strength, burn-resistant material.
Recent projects are focusing on hypersonic applications as well as developing technology and best practices for additive manufacturing (AM).
This story is reprinted from material from the AFRL, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
