Ti6242+ Titanium alloys for high efficiency engines

Important results from the project

The main purpose of this project is to investigate the alpha case growth kinetics and the relationship between its thickness and fatigue strength, together with exploring the effect of Si-concentration on creep strength. These phenomenas are known to limit the maximum application temperature for this alloy. The alpha case growth kinetics was successfully investigated as well as its effect on fatigue strength. In addition, increased Si content improves the creep strength. This new knowledge will enable GKN to offer lightweight structural design in titanium for future jet engines.

Expected long term effects

Both creep strength and fatigue strength are critical properties for titanium components in aero engines working at elevated temperature. The immediate effect from this work is more knowledge and better understanding of these properties and phenomena. This elevated competence will render in improved design in development of new aero engine components. In addition, this project has also contributed with improved knowledge and competence for the people involved in this project, people that could well become employed by the company in the future.

Approach and implementation

The project involves a research assistant that works part time at LTU and GKN, and that acts as assistant supervisor for two PhD students that are also involved in research related with titanium alloys. The work in this project is divided in work packages and close collaboration between the academia and industry is successfully conducted thanks to the dual role of the project leader who is employed at both places. The work packages including ordering of material and creep testing took longer time than anticipated, which delayed some of the analyzing work in the end of the project.