Computational Design of High-Strength, High-Toughness Stainless Steels for Carrier-Based Aircraft Components

"A novel computational materials design approach will be applied to demonstrate the feasibility for the development of a nanostructured high-strength, high-toughness stainless steel that meets the stringent mechanical properties for carrier-based aircraftcomponents. Currently, 300M and the higher performance AerMet 100 are used for critical aerospace components. Both alloys, however, are nonstainless and highly susceptible to both corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement. As a result, a number of aircraftcomponents, such as landing gear, require a costly cadmium coating process to protect against corrosion. Cadmium, a known carcinogen, represents significant environmental risks in both primary manufacture and at DoD overhaul and repair facilities. Awell-developed set of computational design tools has already been applied to the design of new stainless steel for land-based aerospace applications that match the mechanical properties of 300M. Under this proposed Phase I SBIR, a series ofmicrostructural toughening strategies will be theoretically assessed to devise stainless steel compositions matching the more rigid mechanical strength and toughness properties of AerMet 100 steel, currently used for carrier-based aircraft components. Anew high strength, high toughness stainless alloy would benefit the environment and have dual-use application potential for commercial aircraft and other commercial markets such as marine equipment. The prima