Papers by Author: Adam L. Pilchak

Abstract: We review the effect of processing on structure and texture in titanium alloys, focusing on the understanding of this relationship that has evolved over the last decade. Thermomechanical processing cycles for these alloys involve deformation and heat treatment in single phase β and two phase, α+β, phase fields, and involves a complex interplay between deformation and recrystallization textures of the individual phases, textures arising from the crystallographic relationship between the two phases, and the scale of microstructure evolution. We explore these interactions and trace the strong dependence of thermomechanical pathways on the final structure and texture.

Abstract: Titanium (Ti) alloys are used in critical, fatigue limited applications in aircraft and aircraft engines. Current design practices are, of necessity, conservative in order to minimize risk of unexpected failures. Among the sources of this conservatism are the inherent variations in the number of loading cycles the materials can withstand prior to fatigue crack initiation, the uncertainty in crack propagation lifetime prediction and the need to set safe minimum component life values. While the stochastic nature of fatigue is well-known, improved characterization methods have begun to provide a better understanding of the crack initiation process. This paper describes recent work designed to provide an improved understanding of the relationship between thermomechanical processing history, microstructure, texture and the fatigue behavior of α+β Ti alloys. Due to length limitations, the paper focuses on two important aspects of fatigue life variation: the effects of microstructural discontinuities on fatigue and the role of facet formation during crack initiation and the early stages of fatigue crack growth.