Effect of microstructure and cooling rate on the fatigue performance of TIMETAL^® 575

^a TIMET UK, PO Box 704. Witton, Birmingham, UK. B72 1LT
^b University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB

^* Michael.Bodie@timet.com

Abstract

A key design consideration for material selection in the aerospace industry is weight reduction; with excellent strength to weight ratio, high temperature resistance, and fatigue performance, titanium alloys are extensively used. New titanium alloys continue to enhance performance and broaden the range of applications. Titanium Metals Corporation (TIMET) recently developed TIMETAL^® 575 (Ti575), a high strength titanium alloy with superior fatigue performance over Ti-6Al-4V, aimed at aerospace applications where these properties are imperative i.e. aerospace turbine discs and blades. [1] [2]

This work intends to advance the understanding of the effect of thermal processing of Ti575, by investigating the effect of primary alpha (α_p) volume fraction and cooling rate on tensile and fatigue performance in post forged heat-treated microstructures. Microstructural assessment and mechanical performance were completed and are discussed.

Three cooling methods from three solution heat-treat temperatures were investigated in this work. The results from these experiments were compared using optical microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), room temperature tensile and high cycle fatigue (HCF) tests.