Exova Helps Advance New Aerospace Material

Global testing group Exova has undertaken a test programme on a new corrosion-resistant stainless steel alloy (CRES) for a consortium of leading aerospace organisations.

The new material is being developed for use in landing gear components and is unique in its strength, lightness and affordability.  Exova provided the consortium with a comprehensive range of tests to determine strength, fracture toughness and stress corrosion cracking resistance.

The new CRES steel, which avoids the need to use traditional cadmium and chromate coatings, offers enhanced corrosion resistance and is an example of innovation within the sector. 

The development of the material for aerospace applications was undertaken by Airbus in partnership with Messier Bugatti Dowty, Carpenter Technology and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield.

Speaking about the project, Stuart Abbs European director of aerospace for Exova, said: “Our laboratories in Toulouse and Dudley developed a bespoke testing programme to help the consortium accurately determine material performance. Our work throughout the development phase underlines the mission-critical role that testing plays in advancing aerospace materials and aircraft performance.”