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An Overview of Potential Titanium Aluminide Composites in Aerospace Applications

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Abstract

High-temperature, light-weight materials represent enabling technology in the continued evolution of high-performance aerospace vehicles and propulsion systems being pursued by the U.S. Air Force. In this regard, titanium aluminide matrix composites appear to offer unique advantages in terms of a variety of weightspecific properties at high temperatures. However, a key requirement for eventual structural use of these materials is a balance of mechanical properties that can be suitably exploited by aircraft and engine designers without compromising reliability. An overview of the current capability of titanium aluminide composites is presented, with an effort to assess the balance of properties offered by this class of materials. Emphasis is given to life-limiting cyclic and monotonic properties and the roles of high-temperature, time-dependent deformation and environmental effects. An attempt is made to assess the limitations of currently available titanium aluminide composites with respect to application needs and to suggest avenues for improvements in key properties.

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Acknowledgement

This overview was complied by the authors, who are members of the Materials Behavior and Processing Branch, Materials Directorate, Wright Laboratory, WrightPatterson Air Force Base, OH and was funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under project 2302P101. We would like to acknowledge the helpful efforts of A. L. Hix and E. J. Dolley who aided in collection, analysis, and presentation of the data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Directorate, Wright Laboratory, WL/MLL Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433, USA

    James M. Larsen, William C. Revelos & Mary L. Gambone

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  1. James M. Larsen
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  2. William C. Revelos
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  3. Mary L. Gambone
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Larsen, J.M., Revelos, W.C. & Gambone, M.L. An Overview of Potential Titanium Aluminide Composites in Aerospace Applications. MRS Online Proceedings Library 273, 3–16 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-273-3

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