The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a high strength titanium alloy on industrial scale for applications in aerospace structural forgings.
Beta titanium alloys
The high strength beta titanium alloys are unique due to their higher strength, ductility, fatigue, and fracturetoughness – making them increasingly attractive for aircraft structural applications.
Their relatively lower lifetime cost, owing to superior corrosion resistance in comparison to steels, was an effective trade-off to justify the use of this expensive material in India too.
The high strength metastable beta titanium alloy, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al, containing Vanadium, Iron and Aluminium, was developed by the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL).
These alloys are beneficial substitute for the relatively heavier traditional structural steels to achieve weight savings.
The excellent forgeability of Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al alloy facilitated the manufacture of intricately configured components for aerospace applications with potential for significant weight savings, the statement added.