Microstructure Effects on Fatigue in (New) Titanium Alloys

The aim of this project is to study current and develop new titanium alloys to see the effect that various microstructure changes will have on fatigue in titanium. These titanium alloys will be used in jet aero-engines so preventing failure under cyclic applied loads below the yield stress is essential. Altering the microstructure of the titanium alloys may help to stop fatigue crack growth initiating or propagating in the material, which will increase the lifetime that the material can be used in the engine without failure. The project will involve starting by creating titanium alloys from the individual elements, all the way to carrying out mechanical testing on samples, as well as using various microscopy techniques to look at the surfaces and interior of alloys.