An Analysis of the Fatigue Resistance of Beta Titanium and the Effect of Spot-Welding Upon the Fatigue Resistance of this Alloy

Abstract

This investigation was designed to establish a fatigue curve for beta titanium, determine the effect of spot-welding upon the fatigue resistance of this alloy, and provide qualitative observations about surface characteristics of different batches of TMA in relation to their fatigue lives. Rectangular .016" x .022" 1MA was evaluated. Twelve specimens in each group were tested, making the total sample size 108.

The wire samples were evaluated using a cantilever bend test in which specimens were stressed cyclically at varying deflections. Two welded groups were also tested. An auxiliary .016" x .022" TMA was welded to a main test segment of TMA with the .016" side against the opposing .016" side. The weld overlap varied at 25% for one group and 50% for the other. These specimens were stressed at the area adjacent to the weld. One specimen from each group was viewed under the scanning electron microscope to evaluate the fractured area. Specimens from three different batches of 1MA were tested and their fatigue lives compared at .625 inch deflection. One specimen from each batch was viewed under the scanning electron microscope to evaluate its surface structure.

A fatigue curve for TMA was plotted from the data. At .625 inch deflection, welding an auxiliary onto the main segment significantly decreased the fatigue resistance of the wire. However, both welded groups had comparable fatigue lives. These wire specimens fractured at some point adjacent to the welded site.

Fatigue resistance differed significantly between one batch of TMA and the other two. The scanning electron micrographs of representative specimens from each batch seemed to indicate that the fatigue resistance of each batch was inversely related to its surface roughness.