Heat treatment of aluminum-lithium alloys

摘要

A method of providing a lithium containing aluminum base alloy product having, in combination, enhanced strength and fracture toughness characteristics is disclosed. The method comprises providing a worked and solution heat treated body of a lithium containing aluminum base alloy product and subjecting the product to first stage aging in a temperature range of 250 DEG to 415 DEG F. Further, the method comprises subjecting the worked body to a second stage aging in a temperature range of 100 DEG to 330 DEG F. for a time sufficient to provide the enhanced strength and fracture toughness.