Problem Solving

Titanium

Touchstone has worked to support many efforts in the development of titanium matrix composites. Among the unique test systems developed by Touchstone is the Fiber Push-out SEM. With this instrument, the bond strength and sliding friction can be measured between a single fiber and the surrounding matrix.

The following examples illustrate some of our contributions to this business sector:

  • For a number of years, Touchstone worked in support of the development of new titanium grain refiners used in the aluminum industry.
  • In the mechanical testing laboratory, Touchstone has performed a wide variety of tests on titanium and titanium composites including: tensile, fatigue, fracture toughness, compression, fatigue crack growth, impact at temperatures from cryogenic to very high temperatures.
  • Touchstone is also equipped to perform hot microhardness tests on titanium alloys. The hot microhardness tester can operate at temperatures as high as 1400 degrees Centigrade inside a vacuum. Hot stage light microscopy is possible on the same device.
  • Touchstone can examine microstructural changes in titanium inside the SEM at temperatures up to 1000 degrees Centigrade. This hot-stage SEM is capable of various mechanical tests including microhardness and compressive strength.
  • Touchstone has worked to support many efforts in the development of titanium matrix composites. Among the unique test systems developed by Touchstone is the Fiber Push-out SEM. With this instrument, the bond strength and sliding friction can be measured between a single fiber and the surrounding matrix. This work is performed at temperatures from ambient to 1000 degrees centigrade. The sample can be imaged during the testing to help provide an understanding of the micro-mechanics of the fiber/matrix bond.

The above examples are only a sample of our work in this area. We would be pleased to provide any additional information you may require. We also invite you to review examples on our website of work that we have performed in support of other business sectors.