Small scale testing & cracking behaviour of Ti LMDp repairs (SMART)

Purpose and goal:

-Develop and utilize small-scale testing to understand static and cyclic properties of the repaired materials, as well as the interface between the repair and base Ti-6Al-4V material

- Evaluate the cracking behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloys in the repair and interface section using in-situ mechanical testing - In-situ tensile and cyclic testing in the SEM to correlate the microstructure with cracking mechanisms

- Evaluating the cracking behavior of the base, interface, and repair material using microhardness and scratch testing to correlate microstructural variations Expected results and effects:

(i) providing better conditions for the strong aviation industry in Sweden, by gaining the knowledge and skill to further develop and implement safe component repair using LMDp; (ii) strengthening the aeronautical engineering field through increased cooperation, research and information dissemination; through efficient collaboration between two universities and GKN Aerospace Sweden, which will be supported by a postdoctoral researcher recruitment at JTH and leading to international journal paper publication of the scientific outcomes.

Approach and implementation:

Beside project management (WP0), project activities are divided into two WPs. WP1 focuses on sample preparation by GKN, including additive manufacturing, cutting, and CT-scan. Other characterization and in-situ testing will be conducted at JU.

Parallel to this WP, WP2 will be conducted mainly by DU, who will receive samples from GKN and conducts microhardness and scratch testing, followed by microscopy to understand the local mechanical performance of the material. All project activities and reporting are to be conducted within 12 months.