Method for increasing the fracture resistance of titanium composites
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsPaul R. Smith, Daniel Eylon
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Abstract
The fracture resistance of titanium alloy matrix composites is increased by one of two methods. One method comprises the steps of consolidating a titanium alloy-fiber preform under suitable conditions to provide a metal matrix composite and thermally treating the thus-prepared composite at a temperature above the beta-transus temperature of the alloy for a brief time. In the second method, a composite having increased fracture resistance is produced by consolidating an alloy-fiber preform at a temperature above the normal consolidation temperature for a time less than the normal consolidation time.
Claims8
A method for increasing the fracture resistance of titanium alloy matrix composites which comprises the steps of (a) consolidating a titanium alloy-fiber preform under suitable conditions to provide a metal matrix composite and (b) thermally treating the thus-prepared composite by heating said composite to a temperature about 5 to 10% above the beta-transus temperature of the alloy, in degrees C, for about 4 to 25% of the consolidation time, wherein said thermal treatment step (b) is carried out immediately following said consolidation step (a).
A method for increasing the fracture resistance of titanium alloy matrix composites which comprises consolidating an alloy-fiber preform at a temperature about 5 to 10% above the beta-transus temperature of the alloy for a time about 10 to 20% of the time required for consolidation at a temperature below said beta-transus temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.