Determination of Feasibility of Applying Computer Analysis of Titanium Alloy Microstructures to Quality Control.

Two types of microstructure samples were examined for the Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-6Mo titanium alloy under consideration. These included normal preparation of specimens and nondestructive preparation through electropolishing and replication. In total, 53 photomicrographs of alloy specimens were entered into a digital data base through digitization by the high-speed scanning device selected and purchased during the effort. The specimens were computer analyzed to establish geometric properties of primary alpha and secondary alpha particles. The 26 geometric properties were correlated with 11 mechanical properties and five heat treatment and chemical composition properties. The success in predicting ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percent of elongation, percent reduction in area, fracture toughness, fatigue cycles to pinpoint crack indication and cycles to 132 inch crack for three test specimens indicates a promising future for the application of digital techniques to titanium alloy quality control. Modified author abstract Portions of this document are not fully legible.