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Mechanisms of ambient temperature fatigue crack growth in Ti-46.5Al-3Nb-2Cr-0.2W

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Abstract

Fatigue crack growth studies have been conducted on a two-phase alloy with a nominal composition of Ti-46.5Al-3Nb-2Cr-0.2W (at. pct), heat treated to produce duplex and lamellar microstructures. Fatigue crack growth tests were conducted at 23 °C using computer-controlled servohydraulic loading at a cyclic frequency of 20 Hz. Several test methods were used to obtain fatigue crack growth rate data, including decreasing-load-range-threshold, constant-load-range, and constant-K max increasing-load-ratio crack growth control. The lamellar microstructure showed substantial improvement in crack growth resistance and an increase in the threshold stress intensity factor range, ΔK th , when compared with the behavior of the duplex microstructure. The stress ratio had a significant influence on crack growth behavior in both microstructures, which appeared to be a result of roughness-induced crack closure mechanisms. Fractographic characterization of fatigue crack propagation modes indicated a highly tortuous crack path in the fully lamellar microstructure, compared to the duplex microstructure. In addition, limited shear ligament bridging and secondary cracking parallel to the lamellar interfaces were observed in the fully lamellar microstructure during fatigue crack propagation. These observations were incorporated into a model that analyzes the contribution of intrinsic vs extrinsic mechanisms, such as shear ligament bridging and roughness-induced crack closure, to the increased fatigue crack growth resistance observed for the fully lamellar microstructure.

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Author notes

  1. S. J. Balsone

    Present address: Materials Directorate, United States Air Force, Wright Laboratory, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. the Structural Integrity Division, University of Dayton Research Institute, 45419-0128, Dayton, OH

    B. D. Worth (Associate Research Engineer)

  2. the United States Air Force, Wright Laboratory, Materials Directorate, WL/MLLN, Wright-Patterson, 45433-7818, Air Force Base, OH

    J. M. Larsen (Research Group Leader)

  3. Engineer with the Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, General Electric Company, 12301, Schenectady, NY

    S. J. Balsone

  4. the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Michigan, 48109-2136, Ann Arbor, MI

    J. W. Jones (Professor)

Authors
  1. B. D. Worth
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  2. J. M. Larsen
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  3. S. J. Balsone
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  4. J. W. Jones
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Worth, B.D., Larsen, J.M., Balsone, S.J. et al. Mechanisms of ambient temperature fatigue crack growth in Ti-46.5Al-3Nb-2Cr-0.2W. Metall Mater Trans A 28, 825–835 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-997-0069-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11661-997-0069-7

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