Low cost fabrication of sheet structure using a new beta titanium alloy, Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn
Development efforts have been undertaken to improve the processing and structural efficiencies of advanced cold-formable beta Ti alloys, using the standard, hot-formed and rivetted construction of Ti-6Al-4V sheet structures as a basis for comparison. Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn (Ti-15-3) beta alloy is formable, brazable and weldable in the solution-treated condition, and after aging displays mechanical properties suitable for postulated service in the -65 to 600 F temperature range. A novel methodology using cold-formed Ti-15-3 stringers and Ti-6Al-4V face sheets that are joined by means of an out-of-furnace isothermal brazing process, followed by low temperature aging, can reduce production costs by as much as 28 per cent. Structural efficiency has been demonstrated in room and elevated temperature crippling tests of small skin-stringer assemblies.