Recent developments in light alloys

Light alloys, and aluminium alloys in particular, are widely used to model new processes and their association with the aerospace industries often places them at the forefront of emerging technologies. Moreover, knowledge of microstructure/property relationships is providing opportunities to design alloys to meet specific service requirements. These two themes are used as the basis for discussing recent developments in aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys. Particular attention is given to new ageing practices, lithium-containing aluminium alloys, the role of trace elements in controlling precipitation and to titanium aluminides. Reference is also made to several new materials produced by unconventional methods of processing.