Domestic object damage and fatigue behaviour of an advanced gamma TiAl alloy

Laboratory simulated domestic object damage (DOD) was imposed on aerofoil style specimens manufactured from a latest generation gamma titanium aluminide. The form of the impact sites was characterised in detail before assessment under fatigue loading at room temperature and 650 °C. A reduction in fatigue strength due to the presence of DOD was shown to be sensitive to the projectile impact energy but independent of test temperature. Instantaneous fracture from high-speed impacts is reported.

► Simulated domestic object damage (DOD) characterised in TiAl. ► Direct relationship demonstrated between projectile velocity and damage. ► Fatigue strength is sensitive to damage. ► Extreme impacts can introduce catastrophic failure.