Secondary Titanium Alloy Production via Equivalent Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of titanium alloys with controlled mechanical properties is hindered by the high cost of primary materials and the difficulty in effectively recycling wastes, leading to unpredictable mechanical and processing characteristics due to random combinations of alloying elements during melting.
Innovation Solution
A secondary titanium alloy with controlled strength properties is achieved by introducing up to 100% recyclable wastes, utilizing a specific range of alloying elements and calculating molybdenum and aluminum strength equivalents to ensure precise composition and processing behavior, using a process involving charge preparation and double vacuum-arc melting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recyclable wastes are introduced into charge materials to reduce cost, then cost of titanium alloys is reduced, but mechanical properties become unpredictable due to random combinations of alloying elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the unpredictable chemical composition problem into a controllable parameter by calculating and controlling the aluminum equivalent (Al eq) and molybdenum equivalent (Mo eq) parameters. By defining specific ranges for these equivalents (Al eq: 4.0-7.0, Mo eq: 2.0-5.0) rather than controlling individual element concentrations, the invention enables predictable mechanical properties while accommodating variable waste compositions. This parameter transformation allows cost reduction through waste utilization without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism by calculating the aluminum equivalent and molybdenum equivalent based on the actual chemical composition of waste materials, then adjusting the charge material composition to achieve target equivalent ranges. This feedback loop ensures that even with variable waste inputs, the final alloy achieves consistent mechanical properties by controlling the net effect of multiple alloying elements through equivalent parameter regulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If narrow ranges of specific alloying elements are used to control strength properties, then mechanical properties are controlled, but manufacturing flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces control of multiple individual alloying element concentrations with control of two aggregate parameters: aluminum equivalent (Al eq) and molybdenum equivalent (Mo eq). This parameter reduction transforms a complex multi-dimensional control problem into a manageable two-parameter system. The equivalents account for the combined effect of multiple elements (Al, V, Mo, Cr, Fe, Ni, Mn, Cu, Si) on strength properties, enabling manufacturing precision while providing flexibility in material selection and waste utilization.
3Reliability
If double vacuum-arc melting process is used to achieve homogeneous composition, then mechanical properties are stabilized, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by conducting the first vacuum-arc melting to create a pre-alloyed ingot with approximately homogeneous composition before the second melting step. This preliminary alloying distributes alloying elements and reduces composition gradients, so that the second melting primarily serves to finalize homogeneity and refine the structure. This staged approach stabilizes mechanical properties while reducing the total time required compared to attempting complete homogenization in a single extended melting cycle.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the production of titanium alloys with stable and predictable mechanical properties, reducing material costs and increasing process flexibility, enabling the efficient use of a wide range of recyclable wastes in producing sheet material, structural parts, and structural armor.
Implementation Method 1
double vacuum-arc melting
Implementation Method 2
double vacuum-arc melting
Implementation Method 3
alloying elements are divided into three groups based on their influence on properties of titanium alloys: α-staibilizers... β-stabilizers... and eutectoid-generating elements
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to production of α-, near α- and α+β-titanium alloys from secondary raw materials, which are used mainly in manufacture of sheet material, structural parts and structural armor for defense and civil sectors. This alloy is characterized by the following chemical composition, weight percentage: 0.01-6.5 Al, 0.01-5.5 V, 0.05 - 2.0 Mo, 0.01 - 1.5 Cr, 0.1 - 2.5 Fe, 0.01-0.5 Ni, 0.01-0.5 Zr, 0.01-0.25 Si, oxygen - up to 0.3, carbon - up to 0.1, nitrogen - up to 0.07 and titanium - remainder. Blend is formulated based on the required tensile strength, while content of alloying elements is calculated based on design value of aluminum and molybdenum strength equivalents. The proposed alloy and the art of its manufacture helps to solve a problem of introduction of a wide range of titanium wastes to make a finished product with the required processing and structural behavior.