Macroregion Size Measurements in Bimodal Titanium Forgings Using Two-Dimensional Autocorrelation Method

Etching patterns displayed on the surfaces of near-alpha titanium forgings (alloy IMI834) were quantified in terms of sizes and orientations using a two-dimensional (2-D) autocorrelation method. These patterns, which can be associated with local variations of microstructure and further related to regions of specific crystallographic orientations, are known to play a significant role in fatigue and dwell fatigue life predictions. It is then necessary to quantify their dimensions in a manufactured part in order to build a better statistical approach for life prediction in titanium forgings. These distributions of macroregion size and shape were examined on forging cross sections. A data analysis methodology based on a 2-D autocorrelation was used to process sample image data and quantify the macroregion characteristics. The results are more precise than those obtained using a mean linear intercept (MLI) method and additional useful information can be gathered.