K. T. Slattery, The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA; D. H. Abbott, AeroMet Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; S. S. Fields, Boeing Phantom Works, St. Louis, MO; P. A. Kobryn, L. Perkins, Air Force Research Lab, WPAFB, OH

Summary:

Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM) has the potential to reduce the cost and lead time needed to produce of Ti-6Al-4V components for aircraft structural components. Because Ti-6Al-4V is generally used for primary structural components, any new process used to make components must be well understood prior to introduction. One aspect of this is determining the effects of discontinuities on the fatigue and fracture properties.

Specimen fabrication, discontinuity induction, nondestructive evaluation and mechanical testing of coupons containing discontinuities of LAM Ti-6Al-4V investigated under the Metals Affordability Initiative and Defense Logistics Agency Laser Additive Manufacturing Programs are presented.