A High Production Rate Process to Fabricate Low Cost High Strength MMCs In Net Shape

Military systems are traditionally produced in steel because of its excellent mechanical properties and low cost, but suffers due to its high weight and poor corrosion resistance. At ½ or less the weight of steel enables weapon systems with greater lethality, survivalability, transportability, and maneuverability and in a corrosion resistant material lowers ownership cost. Titanium metal matrix components (MMCs) can produce properties with a stiffness/modulus greater than 150GPa, strength greater than 1250MPa at a density less than ½ steel, and provide excellent corrosion resistance. Titanium MMCs can be produced for less than $10/lb. utilizing low cost primary Ti soon to be in production and direct net shape forming utilizing new but demonstrated processing. Ti MMC processing will be optimized with modeling support and due to the advanced demonstrated processing during Phase I, tubes and plates will be produced and delivered and plates will be independently ballistically characterized.