Ti-TEX

Purpose and goal:

Ti-TEX expands the material model library for Ti-6AL-4V by including texture evolution during AM and can be used with any FEM package. GKN predicts a significant increase in AM components for aerospace and defense applications. The ability to customize the properties within the part will eliminate post-processing and speed up their process.

With the efficient use of raw materials and resources resulting in reduced costs, GKN expects to gain a significant competitive advantage and improved margins. Expected results and effects:

Ti-alloy AM often leads to anisotropic properties due to highly textured and columnar microstructures. Adding material to hot spot regions can improve fatigue life, but customizing the microstructure during AM offers expanded design possibilities and eliminates the need for post-treatment. Our modeling approach reduces component weight, supports material development, and enhances understanding of AM certification in load-carrying structures.

Approach and implementation:

The Ti-TEX software tool is a valuable resource for producing topology-optimized components with tailored microstructures, which improve their fatigue resistance, stiffness & weight by simulating the AM process in detail. With Ti-TEX knowledge, GKN, LTU, and Aerobase have jointly applied to Horizon Europe to combine AM FE simulation with machine learning. We will present the results at the 13th International Congress on Thermal Stresses (June 4-8, 2023) in Luleå.