Lightweight high stiffness member and manufacturing method thereof

摘要

A high performance hybrid member for use in applications where high stiffness, high temperature capacity and being lightweight are important. In one form of the present invention the hybrid member is formed of a titanium alloy outer portion with a gamma titanium aluminide alloy inner portion metallurgically bonded therin. The gamma titanium aluminide alloy material has a room temperature modulus of elasticity greater than the modulus of elasticity of the titanium alloy outer portion. The hybrid member has a modulus of elasticity greater than modulus of elasticity of the titanium alloy outer portion, and a density equivalent to that of the titanium outer portion. The wear resistant capability of the member can be increased at local regions by surface modification treatment such as plasma ion nitriding or by affixing at ends of the member hardened fittings. Fabrication of the hybrid member involves positioning a gamma titanium aluminide alloy core within the titanium alloy outer portion, sealing the ends of the outer portion and then hot isostatically pressing the assembly to create a metallurgical bond between the gamma titanium aluminide alloy inner portion and the titanium alloy outer portion.