DRDO develops high strength titanium alloy for aerospace forgings

Context

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed a high strength titanium alloy on an industrial scale for making aerospace structural forgings.

About the developed high strength titanium alloy

• The high strength metastable beta titanium alloy, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al, contains Vanadium, Iron and Aluminium.
• It was developed by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL).
• The high strength beta titanium alloys are unique due to their higher strength, ductility, fatigue, and fracture toughness.
• It makes them increasingly attractive for aircraft structural applications.
• It has a relatively lower lifetime cost.
• It has superior corrosion resistance in comparison to steel.
• Some of the components which may be forged from this alloy include slat and flap tracks, landing gear and drop link in landing gear, among several others.
• It is a beneficial substitute for the relatively heavier traditional structural steel to achieve weight savings.
• The excellent forgeability of the high strength-to-weight ratio Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy facilitated the manufacture of intricately configured components for aerospace applications with the potential for significant weight savings.