Feedstock characterisation and small-scale mechanical testing of Titanium LMD Repairs (FAME)

Purpose and goal

In the aerospace industry, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) offers great promise for repair application. For the components manufactured using LMD, the microstructure looks different at repair that is due to the intense heat induced by the laser. Implementation of these repair techniques awaits in-depth understanding of tmaterial performance at the repair part and at the interface between the repair and substrate. Due to process dimensionality, this requires tailored and small-scale mechanical testing that has not been investigated extensively in the industry through FAME project.

Expected effects and result

The components used in the high-pressure compressors in the jet engine are in high demand for repair. FAME objectives are to develop small-scale testing to understand the deformation and cracking behavior of the Ti6242 repair and the interface between the repair and the casting. The findings will provide unprecedented knowledge for optimization of the heat treatment process on the repair parts to improve the repair compatibilities to the castings.

Planned approach and implementation

Understand feedstock characteristics and the magnitude of variation from lots and how that can impact the mechanical properties of LMD repairs of Ti-6242 alloy.Develop small-scale mechanical testing to understand the static and cyclic deformation and cracking behavior of the built material and interface between the Ti-6242 repair and the casting.Optimize the heat treatment process for improving the mechanical compatibility .Understand the scratch and wear mechanisms in sliding contact for cast Ti-6242 repairs and correlate the microstructure to mechanical properties.