The Dynamic Response of Ti521, a Titanium Alloy for Impact Containment: Rate Dependency and the Influence of Cooling Processes

Govind Gour, Thomas Kwok, Yan Gao, David Townsend, David Dye, Antonio Pellegrino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Ti521, a titanium alloy with a tailored composition that provides an excellent balance of strength and ductility, was developed and manufactured. The effects of cooling rate on both quasi-static and dynamic mechanical behaviour were investigated. An extensive experimental campaign was undertaken to characterise the rate dependent properties of Ti521 and to evaluate the influence of manufacturing parameters on its mechanical performance. The alloy exhibited the highest yield strength under rapid cooling conditions, with values exceeding those of Ti6Al4V. Furthermore, the analysis of the energy dissipated during plastic deformation indicates that Ti521 has strong potential to outperform Ti6Al4V in impact containment applications.
A novel experimental methodology, incorporating multiple camera setups, was introduced and employed to characterise anisotropy induced by variations in cooling rates and rolling directions. This approach enabled the accurate evaluation of the true stress-strain response in the presence of anisotropy and, consequently, the influence of rolling direction on the mechanical performance of the alloy. Cross rolled specimens exhibited no measurable anisotropic behaviour, whereas unidirectionally rolled material showed slight differences in mechanical properties between the rolling and transverse directions.
Original languageEnglish
Article number114560
JournalMaterials Today Communications
Volume50
Early online date23 Dec 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2026

Data Availability Statement

Data will be made available on request.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Roger Thomas Titanium ltd for their continuous support prior and throughout the duration of this research. The authors would also like to thank Mr Stuart Carter, Mr Jeffrey Fullerton, Mr Peter Tantrum and Mr Derek Robinson for manufacturing the specimens and for the helpful suggestions, Mrs Karen Bamford for her continuous support.

Keywords

  • Anisotropy
  • Cooling rate
  • Energy absorption
  • Hopkinson Bar
  • Mechanical processing
  • Rate dependence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Materials Chemistry

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