Investigation of the spheroidization process in titanium alloy

Project aim

The aim of the EngD is to generate knowledge on the impact of strain path on the spheroidization process in Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
The objectives are:

• Determine the state of the art of spheroidization in titanium alloys
• Evaluate the impact of the processing route on the final microstructure and establish the mechanisms involved in the spheroidization process
• Derive constitutively

Project background

The production of titanium alloys is often done through complex processes which involve a number of steps alternating hot deformation and heat treatment. During these stages, microstructural transformations occur, which modify the mechanical properties of the produced alloy. Spheroidization of the lamellar alpha phase during hot deformation is one of the possible microstructural changes. It is dependent on several process parameters such as strain and temperature.

This transformation is critical as it produces the more ductile material required for further forming. A substantial amount of research has hence been performed on this transformation; however, the impact of strain path on spheroidization kinetics has not been thoroughly studied.