Microstructures and mechanical properties of titanium alloy connecting rod made by powder forging process

A new powder metallurgy (P/M) titanium alloy connecting rod with the composition of Ti–1.5Fe–2.25Mo (wt.%), formed by a powder forging process, was successfully developed with the help of a pre-processing simulation using a commercial finite element software (DEFORM-3D). The microstructures and the mechanical properties of the deformed material were evaluated. The results indicate that the microstructures of the crank pin end, fork part and piston pin end are lamellar α + β structures and the microstructure of shank is of through-transus bi-modal phase. The tensile strength and elongation are much higher than those of the most widely used PF-11C50/60 steels, and can well meet the requirements of the connecting-rod industry.

► PM Ti alloy connecting rods were prepared by powder forging process.
► The relationship between the microstructures and mechanical properties was evaluated.
► The orthorhombic α″ phase was found in the shank and its influence was studied.