AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS OF BETA-TITANIUM ALLOYS

Beta alloys are beginning to play a significant role in both military and commercial aircraft. Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al forgings, for example, play major roles in the McDonnell Douglas C-17 and the Boeing 777. The attractive properties of Beta-C are increasing the use of titanium, rather than steel, in aircraft springs. Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn is subject to increasing usage primarily because of its strip producibility and formability. Beta-21S is gaining importance for high-temperature applications. New alloys such as beta-CEZ, SP-700, and Timetal(R) LCB could become important because of advantageous costs, processing, and/or properties. In the past, the use of beta alloys has largely been driven by their superior properties and weight-savings potential. In the future, cost will become more important. As a result, a greater emphasis will be placed on lower cost alloys and/or taking advantage of the improved processing capabilities of these alloys to minimize final component costs.