Impact of texture on mechanical properties in an advanced titanium alloy

The mechanical response of highly textured Ti 6/4 plate material is evaluated under monotonic and cyclic loading. Significant variations in yield and ultimate tensile strength, bend ductility and total fatigue life to failure are all noted, depending on the orientation of the principal stress axis with respect to the dominant basal plane texture. These effects are discussed with reference to the inherent, anisotropic mechanical response of α+β and near α titanium alloys that results from the hexagonal crystallographic form of the α phase and the availability of preferential slip systems. It is argued that the anisotropic response could be utilised to an engineering advantage by matching critical stressing directions to the specific properties offered by the texture.