Influence of casting defects on fatigue strength of an investment cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Abstract

The influence of casting defects on fatigue strength of an investment cast Ti-6Al-4V alloy is investigated. The most common of these defects are: pinhole, linear defect and inclusion. Each of them is currently defined by its size, morphology and position from the surface but is different from each other for a same type. An experimental campaign is defined with different types of defect. The first part of the campaign is focused on the influence of an artificial and spherical defect, considering two different surface conditions. It is shown that fatigue behaviour of this alloy is very sensitive to the surface condition of this artificial defect despite stress concentrations at the tip of the defect. The second part of the campaign is focused on casting defects: reduction of fatigue life is quantified and it is shown that an electro-discharge machined defect cannot be representative of pinhole.