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An evaluation of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites for advanced high-temperature aerospace applications

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Abstract

The current capabilities of continuous silicon-carbide fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMCs) are reviewed with respect to application needs and compared to the capabilities of conventional high-temperature monolithic alloys and aluminides. In particular, the properties of a firstgeneration titanium aluminide composite, SCS-6/Ti-24Al-11Nb, and a second-generation metastable beta alloy composite, SCS-6/TIMETAL 21S, are compared with the nickel-base superalloy IN100, the high-temperature titanium alloy Ti-1100, and a relatively new titanium aluminide alloy. Emphasis is given to life-limiting cyclic and monotonie properties and to the influence of time-dependent deformation and environmental effects on these properties. The composite materials offer a wide range of performance capabilities, depending on laminate architecture. In many instances, unidirectional composites exhibit outstanding properties, although the same materials loaded transverse to the fiber direction typically exhibit very poor properties, primarily due to the weak fiber/matrix interface. Depending on the specific mechanical property under consideration, composite cross-ply laminates often show no improvement over the capability of conventional monolithic materials. Thus, it is essential that these composite materials be tailored to achieve a balance of properties suitable to the specific application needs if these materials are to be attractive candidates to replace more conventional materials.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Directorate, Wright Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, 45433-7817, OH

    James M. Larsen (Research Group Leader) & Stephan M. Russ (Materials Research Engineer)

  2. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 48109-2136, Ann Arbor, MI

    J. W. Jones (Professor)

Authors
  1. James M. Larsen
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  2. Stephan M. Russ
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  3. J. W. Jones
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Additional information

This article is based on a presentation made in the symposium entitled “Creep and Fatigue in Metal Matrix Composites” at the 1994 TMS/ASM Spring meeting, held February 28–March 3, 1994, in San Francisco, California, under the auspices of the Joint TMS-SMD/ASM-MSD Composite Materials Committee.

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Larsen, J.M., Russ, S.M. & Jones, J.W. An evaluation of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites for advanced high-temperature aerospace applications. Metall Mater Trans A 26, 3211–3223 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02669450

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