B. Hanusiak, R. Grabow, FMW Composite Systems, Inc., Bridgeport, VA; S. Tamirisa, FMW Composite Systems Inc., Bridgeport, WV; F. Yolton, Crucible Research Corporation, Pittsburgh, PA
Titanium alloys have been utilized in aero space structures and propulsion systems to enable weight reduction due to attractive specific properties. This benefit was enhanced over the last ten years as a result of the transition-to-production of continuous SiC fiber reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMC) which offers high uni-directional increase the specific strength and stiffness. The TMC material, however, is not readily applicable to multi-axis loaded components due to the low transverse properties.Recently, significant progress has been made in the development of enhanced titanium alloys which exhibit strength and stiffness improvement while maintaining ductility and formability. In the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, strength improvements of 75% and stiffness improvements of 35% have been demonstrated along with improved fatigue properties. Formability has been demonstrated with; near net shape powder metal (PM) processing, extrusion, forging and plate rolling. Hot rolled sheet exhibits a near isotropic strength behavior in the rolling and cross-rolling direction and the benefit is retained at temperatures up to 1000 F. The process utilizes current titanium fabrication equipment and methods and therefore is essentially cost neutral relative to standard titanium PM processing. This offers an opportunity to achieve exceptional property enhancements at negligible cost increase. This paper describes the status of this development effort in the Ti-6Al-4V base alloy with a focus on transitioning to practical application.
Summary: N/A