In the rapidly advancing aerospace industry of the 21st century, the demand for aerospace rocket technology has become increasingly stringent, particularly in the development of high-specific impulse engines, which are crucial for driving advancements in space technology. Titanium alloys, known for their exceptional high-temperature strength, low-temperature toughness, and excellent processing capabilities, have emerged as core materials in advanced aerospace rocket technology products.
Addressing components in aerospace rockets that endure extreme temperatures ranging from -200°C and beyond, institutions like the Russian Institute of Metals are actively optimizing processes and enhancing the performance of alloys such as BT6c. This alloy not only operates stably at -200°C but also, through particle metallurgy techniques, has further lowered its operating temperature limit to 253°C, significantly enhancing overall material performance. This innovative process ensures uniform fine-grained structures across components, achieving isotropic properties and providing reliable material support for rocket components in extreme conditions.
In the extensive usage within aerospace rockets, dual-phase titanium alloys like BT6c, BT14, BT3-1, BT23, BT16, BT9 (BT8), leveraging their excellent heat treatment strengthening properties, have become preferred materials for key components. For instance, BT6c alloy, heat-treated to σb=1050MPa-1100MPa, finds wide application in various high-strength requirement components. Meanwhile, BT14 alloy, exhibiting unique advantages in the high-strength range of σb=1100MPa to 1150MPa, is utilized for manufacturing tubular beam-like components with diameters ranging from 80mm to 120mm and also serves as fasteners in low-temperature environments down to -196°C.
To further enhance rocket performance, researchers are turning their focus towards Ti-Al intermetallic compound-based alloys. These alloys, known for their unique comprehensive properties, high thermal strength, high elastic modulus, and low density, are seen as frontrunners in the new generation of aerospace rocket materials. Currently, the "Composite Materials" Research and Production Joint Company is dedicated to developing comprehensive preparation equipment for these new materials, including advanced melting, spheroidizing, and isothermal deformation devices, to drive the widespread application of Ti-Al alloys in the aerospace sector.
