Abstract
The class of titanium alloys generically referred to as the beta alloys is arguably the most versatile in the titanium family. Since these alloys offer the highest strength-to-weight ratios and deepest hardenability of all titanium alloys, one might expect them to compete favorably for a variety of aerospace applications. To the contrary, however, except for one very successful application (Ti-13V-11Cr-3Al on the SR-71), the beta alloys have remained a very small segment of the industry. As a perspective on this situation, this article reviews some past and present applications of titanium alloys. It also descibes some unique new alloys and applications that promise to reverse historical trends.
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Editor’s Note
The following article is distilled from a presentation delivered at the International Workshop on Beta Titanium Alloys, sponsored by the French Metallurgical and Materials Society. For information on the proceedings, which are scheduled for publication at the end of the summer, contact the society at 1, Rue Paul Cézanne, 75008 Paris.
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The Timetal designation for the alloys discussed here is a registered trade name of Timet.
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Bania, P.J. Beta titanium alloys and their role in the titanium industry. JOM 46, 16–19 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03220742
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03220742