Journal of Engineering Science and Technology (Aug 2017)
STUDY OF THERMAL BEHAVIOUR ON TITANIUM ALLOYS (TI-6AL-4V)
Abstract
Titanium is recognized for its strategic importance as a unique lightweight, high strength alloyed structurally efficient metal for critical, high-performance aircraft, such as jet engine and airframe components. Titanium is called as the "space age metal" and is recognized for its high strength-to-weight ratio. Today, titanium alloys are common, readily available engineered metals that compete directly with stainless steel and Specialty steels, copper alloys, nickel based alloys and composites. Titanium alloys are needed to be heat treated in order to reduce residual stress developed during fabrication and to increase the strength. Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy is an alpha, beta alloy which is solution treated at a temperature of 950 ºC to attain beta phase. This beta phase is maintained by quenching and subsequent aging to increase strength. Thermal cycling process was carried out for Ti-6Al-4V specimens using forced air cooling. Heat treated titanium alloy specimen was used to carry out various tests before and after thermal cycling, The test, like tensile properties, co-efficient of thermal expansion, Microstructure, Compression test, Vickers Hardness was examined by the following test. Coefficient of Thermal expansion was measured using Dilatometer. Tensile test was carried out at room temperature using an Instron type machine. Vickers's hardness measurement was done on the same specimen as used for the microstructural observation from near the surface to the inside specimen. Compression test was carried out at room temperature using an Instron type machine. Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy is a workhorse of titanium industry; it accounts for about 60 percent of the total titanium alloy production. The high cost of titanium makes net shape manufacturing routes very attractive. Casting is a near net shape manufacturing route that offers significant cost advantages over forgings or complicated machined parts.
