Superplastic Forming/Diffusion Bonding of a Titanium Alloy for the Realization of an Aircraft Structural Component in Multi-Sheets Configuration

Abstract:

Superplastic forming and diffusion bonding (SPF/DB) is a near-net-shape forming and joining process used with alloys having superplastic properties in order to make manufact which should have light weight and high stiffness. The aerospace is one of those sectors in which such technology is mainly used. This process allows to reduce the buy-to-fly ratio and consequently the production costs thanks to the possibility to produce complex shape components in a single shot. The material widely used for this application is the Ti-6Al-4V alloy for its high strength vs weight ratio, excellent mechanical proprieties, corrosion resistance and galvanic compatibility with carbon fiber reinforced composite materials. In this study, finite element analysis of the SPF/DB process has been carried out in order to investigate the thickness prediction, the optimization of the tooling’s geometry and the definition of the sheets initial thickness in the blow forming process of a multi-sheets configuration.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volumes 504-506)
• Pages: 717-722
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.504-506.717
• Online since: February 2012
• Authors: Luigi Carrino, Valentino Paradiso, Stefania Franchitti, Antonino Squillace, Salvatore Russo
• Keywords: Diffusion Bonding (DB), Finite Element Method (FEM), Superplastic Forming, Ti6Al4V

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