Novel Alloys and Innovative Low Cost Manufacturing Process for Defect Free, Improved, High Pressure Titanium Hydraulic Tubing for Navy Aircraft

In Phase I Dynamet Technology demonstrated the technical viability of producing tube hollows by Dynamet’s advanced P/M processing. The Phase I Option will focus on producing and evaluating hydraulic tube produced using PM tube hollow feedstock. In Phase II the optimal dimensions for P/M tube hollows will be determined and produced. Tube rolling procedures will be developed for .25 inch OD by .022 inch wall hydraulic tube. Prototype thin-wall hydraulic tubes will be produced and tested to demonstrate that their damage tolerance and damage resistance are superior to that of Ti-3Al-2.5V. These tests will include low cycle fatigue tests, and impulse tests of tubes with and without simulated damage. Projected production costs will be analyzed to quantify the cost savings associated with the use of P/M tube hollows as well as the cost savings to the Navy in the procurement of new aircraft and the retrofitting of existing aircraft. The objectives of Phase II are to develop an improved titanium alloy for producing thin-wall hydraulic tubing and a cost-effective, reliable and repeatable manufacturing process for producing hydraulic tubing based on P/M tube hollow feedstock. Phase II will lead to the commercialization of improved titanium hydraulic tubing.