Selective Laser Melting of a Novel Titanium Alloy for Landing Gear Applications

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

United Technologies Aerospace Systems - Landing Systems Division - is an Ontario-based world leader in the design and**fabrication of landing gear for commercial aircraft. The company has recently been involved in developing an Additive**Manufacturing (AM) strategy to assess the feasibility of this technology for landing gear applications. AM refers to a class of**industrial technologies that make parts from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer. Traditionally, Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64), in the**alpha+beta titanium family, is the material of choice for aerospace applications. However, with increasing demand for further**reducing component weight, new grades of (near) beta Ti alloys are emerging. These alloys provide higher strength and fatigue**life as compared to alpha+beta alloys.**Recently, McMaster researchers have demonstrated the viability of additively manufacturing via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) an**uncommon low-cost beta Ti alloy. Through an academic-industry partnership between McMaster and UTAS, we aim to develop**technical knowledge to demonstrate the feasibility of this alloy for landing gear applications. A detailed study focusing on (1)**Powder characterization and modification, (2) Optimization of the processing parameters, and (3) Lowering costs by using a novel**powder precursor will be undertaken to better understand the processing-microstructure-properties relationship of this material.**This project will enable UTAS to employ a new alloy for AM of landing gear with properties surpassing those of conventional**materials, while providing McMaster's research team with an opportunity to better understand the mechanisms underlying**microstructure development during SLM of beta Ti alloys.**