Abstract
The beta titanium alloys offer many advantages in terms of processing, mechanical properties, and low cost of fabricated components compared to conventional titanium alloys. However, in the past, melting difficulties, reproducibility problems, and the conservatism of designers resulted in only one major application—on the SR-71 “Blackbird,” Mach 3+ surveillance airplane. This paper discusses the characteristics of the beta titanium alloys— from melting, through processing, to final microstructure and mechanical properties— and suggests that with recent advances the time is now ripe for the titanium community to successfully fend off competition from other materials by making increased use of this alloy class.*
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F.H. Frees received his M.S. and Ph.D. in physical metallurgy from the University of Sheffield. He is currently Technical Area Manager and focal point for metallic structural materials at the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Materials Laboratory, AFWAL/MLLS at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of Dayton and Wright State University and teaches courses on titanium for the ASM. Dr. Froes is also a member of TMS
H.B. Bomberger received his M.S. and Ph.D. In metallurgical engineering from Ohio State University. He is currently a visiting scientist at the Air Force Materials Laboratory, an instructor in metallurgical engineering at Youngstown State University, and a technical consultant to industry. Dr. Bomberger is also a member of TMS
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Froes, F.H., Bomberger, H.B. The Beta Titanium Alloys. JOM 37, 28–37 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259693
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259693