A new high-temperature deformation strenthening and toughening process for titanium alloys

A new high-temperature deformation strengthening and toughening process for titanium alloys, which consists of near beta transus forging, rapid water quenching, high-temperature toughening and low-temperature strengthening treatment, has been developed. The materials processed by this method produce a new tri-modal microstructure, which shows a high low-cycle fatigue property, high fatigue-creep interaction life, high fracture toughness and a high service temperature without the decreasing ductility and thermal stability. The fundamentals of the new process and the strengthening and toughening mechanism have also been discussed. It is proved that the high-temperature deformation strengthening and toughening process is applicable not only to alpha-beta alloys, but also to alpha, near alpha and near beta titanium alloys.