Evaluation of AA 2050-T87 Al-Li Alloy Crack Turning Behaviour

Abstract

Crack turning or delamination behavior of AA 2050-T87 and AA 7050-T7451 ESE(T) and hourglass coupons under cyclic fatigue conditions is presented. Fatigue crack growth rate curves, fracture surface examinations, and the preferred manner of crack growth for each alloy are discussed in an effort to better understand fatigue crack growth behavior of aluminum-lithium alloys in structural components under service conditions.