Observations of facet formation in near-α titanium and comments on the role of hydrogen

A. L. Pilchak, J. C. Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

143 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Faceted features are frequently observed on the fracture surfaces of titanium alloys that have failed by static loading, continuous cycling, dwell fatigue loading, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). Although the facets formed under different loading conditions seem qualitatively similar, there are significant differences in the spatial and crystallographic orientations of the facets as well as subtle differences in facet surface topography. The current study compares and contrasts facets for various loading conditions (cyclic, creep, SCC, and dwell) in the Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy with the primary motivation being to understand the mechanisms of crack initiation and faceted growth during dwell fatigue. The spatial and crystallographic orientations of the facets were determined using quantitative tilt fractography and electron backscatter diffraction, whereas facet topography was examined using ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Collectively, the experimental observations suggest that hydrogen may play an important role in facet formation and accelerating small crack growth rates during dwell fatigue loading.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1000-1027
Number of pages28
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
Volume42
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2011
Externally publishedYes

Cite this