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

联合技术航空航天系统公司着陆系统部是一家位于安大略省的全球领先的商用飞机起落架设计和制造公司。该公司最近参与了一项增材制造（AM）战略的开发，以评估该技术在起落架应用中的可行性。增材制造指的是一类从3D模型数据制造零件的工业技术，通常是一层一层的。传统上，Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64)，在** α + β钛家族中，是航空航天应用的首选材料。然而，随着进一步降低部件重量的需求不断增加，新等级的（近）β Ti合金正在出现。与α + β合金相比，这些合金具有更高的强度和疲劳寿命。最近，麦克马斯特大学的研究人员已经证明了通过选择性激光熔化（SLM）一种罕见的低成本β钛合金增材制造的可行性。通过麦克马斯特大学和UTAS之间的学术-行业合作伙伴关系，我们的目标是开发**技术知识，以证明这种合金在起落架应用中的可行性。为了更好地了解该材料的加工-微观结构-性能关系，将重点研究(1)**粉体的表征和改性，(2)工艺参数的优化，(3)使用新型**粉体前驱体降低成本。**该项目将使UTAS能够采用一种性能优于传统材料的新型合金用于起落架增材制造，同时为麦克马斯特的研究团队提供一个机会，以更好地了解β Ti合金SLM过程中微观结构发展的机制。**

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.**