Analysis on the properties of titanium alloy and aluminum alloy materials

Titanium aluminum alloy does not have superplasticity under normal processing conditions. In order to obtain the superplastic deformation grain structure of titanium alloy and aluminum alloy, special heat treatment is usually required. Aluminum alloy materials, especially developed because of their superplasticity. Specialty alloy manufacturers analyze the properties of titanium and aluminum alloy materials.

Aluminum alloy is a medium strength alloy with mechanical properties similar to 6061 and 2219 and is commonly used for light load and non-structural applications. More than 100 parts have been produced for more than 80 different aircraft, including the Airbus A340, the French aerospace company ATR and the Boeing 777, serving many aircraft around the world. For example, the Boeing 777 blade headlight box is treated with SPF. In the Eurofighter project, SPF components such as sine wave beams, Auxiliary power unit (APU) shear walls, tank shear walls, doors, boxes, firewalls and exits are widely considered. Based on these experiences, SPF aluminum components should be used more in commercial aircraft.

For the combination of SPF and DB manufacturing methods for titanium alloy materials, there is no commercial method for aluminum alloy materials. The strong oxide film prevalent in aluminum alloy materials hinders the effective utilization of DB. Development projects to overcome this problem are under way but have not yet succeeded. The SPF and DB technologies of titanium alloy materials have been basically mature. Both variants are currently in use on the F-15E aircraft and have significant advantages. SPF/DB strength characteristics are the same as those of forged alloys. However, the surface of the joint must be very clean. Otherwise, the strength will be reduced.