Impact of Morphology on the High Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V for Aerospace

Abstract

The mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy are affected by its microstructures. However, the effects of these microstructures on the high cycle fatigue behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy with a mixed structure (α + β phases) remain unknown. In this study, three alloy specimens were prepared using different hot-deformation methods, and their microstructures were investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Fatigue tests were then performed to determine their high cycle fatigue and fatigue crack propagation behavior. All specimens showed a bimodal structure, but the morphology of each phase (e.g., diameter, shape, and volume fraction) showed notable differences. Among the samples prepared, the forged sample (FS) showed the lowest fatigue strength in all cycles. The fatigue strength of the homogeneously rolled sample (HS) was slightly higher than that of the rolled sample (RS) below 106 cycles but lower above 106 cycles. Compared with those of RS and HS, the secondary α (αs) grain width of FS was twofold larger. The interconnected primary α (αp) phase clusters in HS appeared to promote microcrack propagation.