Aluminum-copper-lithium alloys

Abstract

Improved aluminum-copper-lithium alloys are disclosed. The alloys may include 3.4-4.2 wt. % Cu, 0.9-1.4 wt. % Li, 0.3-0.7 wt. % Ag, 0.1-0.6 wt. % Mg, 0.2-0.8 wt. % Zn, 0.1-0.6 wt. % Mn, and 0.01-0.6 wt. % of at least one grain structure control element, the balance being aluminum and incidental elements and impurities. The alloys achieve an improved combination of properties over prior art alloys.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aluminum alloy consisting of:
 3.6-4.0 wt. % Cu;   1.1-1.2 wt. % Li;   0.4-0.55 wt. % Ag;   0.25-0.45 wt. % Mg;   0.4-0.6 wt. % Zn;   0.25-0.45 wt. % Mn; and   0.05-0.15 wt. % Zr;   the balance being aluminum and incidental elements and impurities.   
     
     
         2 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains at least 3.7 wt. % Cu. 
     
     
         3 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains at least 3.8 wt. % Cu. 
     
     
         4 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains not greater than 3.95 wt. % Cu. 
     
     
         5 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains at least 0.45 wt. % Zn. 
     
     
         6 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains not greater than 0.55 wt. % Zn. 
     
     
         7 . The aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the alloy contains at least 0.45 wt. % Ag.