Materials and processes for aircraft environmental controls in the 1990's

Changes in materials and processes expected to be used in aircraft environmental control systems (ECS) in the 1990s are analyzed, and a forecast is presented. Results of the study show that the most advanced development would be in the use of a cast high strength alloy steel, i.e., a steel with below 8% alloy content, and a 225 KSI annealed tensile strength. To assure complete densification and enhancement of properties, the casting would be HIP, and modification of its surface chemistry could be achieved through ion implantation. As candidate methods for imparting surface protection, laser glazing and chemical vapor deposition are mentioned. The anticipated changes in the materials and techniques used for construction of ECS components are: the development of rapid solidification rate powders for the production of some alloy systems such as Al-Mg-Li, bearing alloy CRB-7, and titanium alloys, 'near-net-shape' processing, and the use of advanced fiber-reinforced plastics.