Ti-6Al-4V Electron Beam Direct Mfg of Space Structures

Electron Beam Direct Manufacturing techniques have affordability and delivery schedule advantages for space structure hardware.  Standard grade Ti-6Al-4V is evaluated using two post-fabrication heat treatments:  the first per AMS 4999 and the second a simple stress relief.  Mechanical properties are presented including strength, fatigue, and fracture toughness.  Chemistry and metallography are discussed for correlation to mechanical properties.  A large demonstration of a 7.5-ft diameter prototype is showcased as well as a demonstration of propulsion tank dome.