Russian scientists have developed a new technology to increase the wear resistance of titanium alloys through high-energy electromechanical processing (EMP) of the material. This was announced by Igor Zakharov, Head of the Department of "Resistance of Materials" at Volgograd State Technical University (VolgSTU).
He recalled that increasing the reliability of parts made of titanium alloys is important in the manufacture of engine components and power elements in the aviation, aerospace industry, as well as the defense industry.
Our development based on EMP consists of the simultaneous exposure of the material to high temperatures and contact pressures. Thus, we increased the wear resistance by 10 times. If earlier the critical amount of wear of the part was reached in 150,000 cycles, then after hardening the part withstands more than 1,500,000 cycles.
Zakharov added that the technology is applicable for optimizing the hardening of surfaces of parts and components of marine vessels.
As a reminder, the key titanium producer for the aviation industry is VSMPO-Avisma Corporation. A new modern automated complex for titanium processing will be built in the Sverdlovsk region in the near future for titanium processing.
Also, VSMPO-Avisma produces titanium semi-finished products for domestic PD-8 and PD-14 engines of MS-21 and Superjet 100 aircraft.