Quote:
Originally Posted by flipper35
My daughter is researching the Eurofighter Typhoon and it says some of the control surfaces are titanium-lithium alloy. What does the lithium add in this instance? Does it make the titanium less reactive or allow it to be more malleable?
I hadn't heard of this combo and am just curious.
|
I would guess the main benefit of a Ti-Li alloy would be better/increased strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium is almost 2x lighter than steel, but is almost 2x heavier than aluminum (give or take, depending on the alloys). Lithium is the lightest (lowest density) metal there is, so it would be like "adding lightness" while still maintaining good strength/toughness properties (?).
There are likely other benefits as well. It may aid in reducing crack propagation, reduce embrittlement, etc. Not sure on any of that, but I am sure the info is out there.