Neutron Diffraction Measurements of Forged Ti–6A–4V Alloy under Tensile Loading

Abstract

Herein, lattice‐specific elastic stiffnesses of a structural alloy with commercial, medical, and military aircraft applications are investigated by neutron diffraction. Macroscopic mechanical properties are characterized by conventional techniques and response to thermally induced strains is probed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD); these findings are compared to data given by neutron diffraction tools. The material used in this study is the forged Ti64 titanium alloy (6% aluminum and 4% vanadium). Diffraction elastic constants are found to range from 114 GPa to 138 GPa. Macroscopic moduli of 118 GPa and 116 GPa are found from extensometry and digital imaging correlation, respectively. The (101) reflection is the reflection that best matches the macroscopic material behavior with a modulus of 117 GPa for the studied material. The effect of mechanical and thermal strains on the axial ratio of the crystal structure is investigated. Texture is an important consideration when comparing micro‐ and macro‐scale behavior; texture from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps reveals minimal preferred orientation for the material under study thus indicating (101) planes suitably reflect overall material behavior.