TiZrHfNbTa refractory HEAs for aerospace components

Recent advancements in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have positioned TiZrHfNbTa as a leading candidate for aerospace applications due to its exceptional mechanical properties and thermal stability. Studies reveal that this alloy exhibits a yield strength of 1.2 GPa at room temperature, which is 30% higher than conventional Ni-based superalloys. Additionally, its fracture toughness of 120 MPa·m^1/2 surpasses that of most refractory metals, making it ideal for structural components subjected to extreme stress. The alloy's unique single-phase body-centered cubic (BCC) structure, confirmed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), contributes to its superior performance. High-temperature testing at 1000°C demonstrated a retained strength of 800 MPa, showcasing its potential for use in jet engine turbines and hypersonic vehicle skins.

The oxidation resistance of TiZrHfNbTa HEAs has been extensively studied, revealing a parabolic oxidation rate constant (kp) of 2.3 × 10^-12 g^2/cm^4·s at 1200°C, which is significantly lower than that of traditional alloys like Inconel 718 (kp = 1.8 × 10^-10 g^2/cm^4·s). This exceptional resistance is attributed to the formation of a dense, self-healing oxide layer composed of TiO2, ZrO2, and HfO2, as confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, the alloy's thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of 8.6 × 10^-6 K^-1 closely matches that of ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), reducing interfacial stresses and enhancing durability in aerospace environments.

Fatigue performance studies under cyclic loading conditions have shown that TiZrHfNbTa HEAs exhibit a fatigue limit of 600 MPa at 10^7 cycles, outperforming Ti-6Al-4V by over 40%. High-cycle fatigue tests conducted at elevated temperatures (800°C) revealed a fatigue life exceeding 10^5 cycles at a stress amplitude of 400 MPa, demonstrating its robustness in high-temperature operational scenarios. The alloy's dislocation glide mechanism, observed via in-situ TEM during cyclic loading, contributes to its excellent fatigue resistance by preventing crack initiation and propagation.

Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have been successfully applied to fabricate TiZrHfNbTa components with minimal defects and enhanced mechanical properties. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) produced parts exhibited a relative density of 99.8%, with microhardness values reaching 450 HV, a 15% improvement over conventionally processed counterparts. Post-processing heat treatments at 1100°C for 2 hours further refined the microstructure, achieving grain sizes below 10 µm and enhancing tensile strength to 1.4 GPa.

The economic viability of TiZrHfNbTa HEAs has been evaluated through life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA), showing a potential reduction in maintenance costs by up to 25% compared to traditional aerospace alloys due to their extended service life and reduced failure rates. Additionally, the alloy's recyclability index of 92% aligns with sustainable manufacturing practices, making it an environmentally responsible choice for next-generation aerospace applications.

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