Why Titanium Is Used in the Aircraft Industry
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Industrial Talks on December 12, 2012
Aircraft construction requires the use of materials that can withstand the severe pressures of flight at high altitudes, as well as constant exposure to the elements. Traditionally, aircraft were constructed of steel, but lighter, more durable materials are now used to extend the life of aircraft and make them more energy efficient.
Facts About Titanium
Titanium is a classified as a metal with chemical element symbol of Ti and an atomic number of 22. Titanium has the highest weight-to-strength ratio of any metal, which makes it useful for a variety of industries in which parts must have superior strength but not add to the overall weight of the product. Titanium is as strong as steel but 45 percent lighter. It is also corrosion resistant, which makes it a preferred metal for a number of outdoor uses. Titanium can be made into an alloy with a number of metals, such as iron, aluminium, molybdenum and vanadium. Titanium was discovered in 1791 by Reverend William Gregor. It was named by Martin Heinrich Kaproth after the Titans of Greek mythology. Titanium can be found in abundance in the earth. It is always found bonded to other elements in its natural form. It must be extracted and purified through a number of processes.
Titanium Advantages
Titanium can withstand long periods of exposure to salt water in marine atmospheres, as well, which makes it of particular value in coastal regions. It is also a very ductile material that can be worked into many shapes. Titanium’s melting point is very high, at 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it able to bear high-heat environments. It is also nonmagnetic and does not conduct heat or electricity well. All of these qualities make it an especially good choice for aircraft parts. Welding of titanium requires special treatment to avoid intrusion of impurities into the weld, which can cause cracking and failure. Machining of titanium must also be done using specific processes to avoid softening and galling of the metal.
Use in Aircraft Construction
Titanium is used in a variety of parts in aircraft construction, both on the exterior framework and in the engine. Titanium can be found on parts for landing gear, internal components of wings, propellers and other components. It can also be found within the aircraft engine, such as the housing, fan blades, pumps, screens and components that may be exposed to high temperatures. Steel and steel alloys are still used extensively in many aircraft because of cost considerations. Titanium is not only an expensive material, the costs involved in properly machining the metal often make it less feasible for widespread use throughout the aircraft. Titanium alloys are common in aircraft construction with complex compounds used to provide specific qualities for particular parts, such as with aluminium for hydraulic tubing and with tin and chromium for frames and engines.
Titanium is a desirable option for many aircraft parts because of its intrinsic qualities. As this metal becomes more widely used, the cost per unit is expected to drop, making it the metal of choice for the industry.
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