Characterization of static, fatigue and fracture behaviour of the aluminium-lithium alloy Al-Li 2198-T851

The work reports an extensive experimental campaign for the aluminium lithium alloy Al-Li 2198-T851. Static, fatigue and fatigue crack-growth behaviour was investigated through tests on laboratory specimens manufactured along the longitudinal and transversal orientation with respect to the rolling direction. Microstructure was observed through macro-graphic evaluations and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was found that the 2198-T851 provided enhanced mechanical properties with respect to 2024-T3 for both transversal and longitudinal rolling direction. Nonetheless, a significantly different behaviour was observed for the transversal direction that provided mechanical performances from 5 to 30 % lower than those measured longitudinally.