Advancing Software Reliability for Microtexture Quantification in Aerospace Titanium Alloys

This SBIR Phase II proposal addresses the critical need for accurate and production-ready microtexture region (MTR) quantification tools in the titanium aerospace industry. The performance and fatigue life of titanium components are highly sensitive to MTR, making its accurate quantification essential for quality control and life prediction. However, current methods for MTR analysis are complex and lack the validation and robustness required for consistent, industry-scale application. Although DREAM3D-NX provides a basis for performing MTR analysis, this existing platform has yet to be rigorously vetted, and its MTR quantification tools remain unsupported, limiting their adoption in production environments.This program will focus on the robust verification and validation (V&V) and Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) of existing MTR quantification analysis tools within DREAM3D-NX, transforming them into dependable resources for the titanium industry. By refining and verifying the DREAM3D-NX MTR quantification filters, we aim to establish DREAM3D-NX as a commercially viable, fully supported tool for precise, reproducible MTR analysis. This capability will be especially valuable for applications requiring high confidence in data accuracy and reliability, supporting improved predictions in material life and performance.The technical objectives of this proposal are twofold. First, we will conduct comprehensive V&V of the DREAM3D-NX MTR filters currently used in MTR quantification analysis. This will involve rigorous unit testing, real-world dataset application, and expert collaboration to ensure these tools produce consistent, accurate results. Each filter will undergo a structured review to confirm it meets coding standards, is thoroughly documented, and functions reliably across diverse datasets and conditions. This will yield validated MTR quantification tools suitable for flight-critical aerospace applications.The second objective is the development and integration of UQ algorithms within DREAM3D-NX to provide insights into the reliability and confidence levels of MTR quantification analysis results. Recognizing that current methods lack quantified uncertainty, this project will design tailored UQ algorithms that assess the impact of measurement variability, data quality, and algorithmic assumptions on final results. The UQ capabilities will empower users to make better-informed decisions and understand the confidence levels in their analyses, crucial for advancing quality control and risk management in aerospace titanium manufacturing.This proposal aims to enhance the quality and lower the production costs of titanium aerospace components by providing a validated, fully supported MTR quantification solution within DREAM3D-NX. By enabling more accurate life prediction models, DREAM3D-NX will not only meet a critical industry need but will also establish itself as a leading platform for advanced MTR analysis in aerospace materials.