Longtime aging behavioour of the alloy Al-2024 characterized by positron annihilation spectroscopy

The reconstruction of the precipitation structure after solution treatment has been investigated by positron
annihilation spectroscopy. In this study the behaviour of samples taken from an aircraft "Airbus 300", being
in operation for 18 years, is compared to a reference material supplied by Alcoa. The results of position
annihilation spectroscopy show that there are no significant differences in both materials. This finding is in
agreement with the results obtained from other methods within the scope of the general research program
which points to a materials behaviour as predicted for a safe operation of this type of aircraft.