Near-Net Shape Lightweight Titanium Wheeled Hubs

The objective of the proposed program is to use advance manufacturing processes, to form near-net shaped (NNS) titanium wheeled hubs for tactical vehicles. Three manufacturing routes will be investigated including casting and two powder metallurgy processes based on Summit Materials Shaped Hot Isostatic Pressed Process (SHIP2). Physical work will be accompanied by numerical analysis of both the manufacturing processes as well as the actual component structure in use to ensure acceptable design and economic advantages. The projected 40% weight savings will exceed the stated 35% goal of the project. By combining the proposed material and manufacturing processes, this projects advantages include: (1) improved strength-to-weight ratio, (2) manufacturability consistency, (3) superb corrosion resistance, (4) increased maintainability, (5) improved costs, and (6) consistent availability.