Research Progress on Materials and Process Forming of Aircraft

MA Xindi; TAO Yongpeng; LIU Yang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.12.018

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Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 17 ›› Issue (12) : 169-179. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.12.018

Light Alloy Forming

Research Progress on Materials and Process Forming of Aircraft

MA Xindi, TAO Yongpeng, LIU Yang^*

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Abstract

Aircraft materials and forming processes constitute the foundational core determining the performance, reliability, and economic efficiency of aerospace equipment. With the advancement of technologies such as hypersonic flight, long-endurance operation, and reusability, the requirements for material selection and process preparation have become increasingly stringent. The current research status and development trends in aircraft materials and advanced forming processes both in China and abroad are systematically reviewed. In terms of materials, the properties, applications, and research progress of high-performance metallic materials and composite materials are elaborated. Regarding forming processes, a detailed summary is concluded on the principles, applicable materials, and application examples of investment casting, additive manufacturing, and composite material forming technologies, while the differences in process equipment and engineering applications between China and other countries are also compared. Finally, it is pointed out that future aircraft materials and processes will continue to develop towards intelligent design, multifunctional integration, and adaptation to extreme environments. Through a systematic analysis of the typical characteristics, developmental status, forming processes, and practical applications of aircraft material selection, the work aims to provide references for the integrated design and manufacturing of future aircraft structures and functions.

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aircraft structures / metal materials / composite materials / forming processes / additive manufacturing

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MA Xindi, TAO Yongpeng, LIU Yang. Research Progress on Materials and Process Forming of Aircraft[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2025, 17(12): 169-179 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2025.12.018

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