Titanium Alloys in DED for Aerospace: Literature Review & Applications

This literature review investigates the application of Titanium alloys in Direct Energy Deposition (DED) for the aerospace industry. It highlights the advantages of using additive manufacturing and DED for building and repairing aerospace components. The review covers the properties of titanium alloys, their corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, and high strength. It examines the use of DED technology to build quality components, focusing on the refurbishment of existing aerospace parts by considering mechanical and chemical properties. The research employs a positivism philosophy and a deductive approach, utilizing both primary data from aerospace industry interviews and secondary data from journal articles. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of titanium alloys in DED for aerospace, the design and building of test specimens using DED, and the overall process of building or repairing aerospace components with DED, with a project timeline of 39 days.

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
Template Project Proposal and Plan
By ‘Author Name’
Affiliation (MSc Profile or Track) & Study no.
Executive Summary
The paper mainly reflects on the additive manufacturing in order to investigate
information about Titanium alloy in DED for determining their application in Aerospace. It is
found that the main aim of the entire research is to collect proper information in order to identify
how titanium are useful in DED for their application in Aerospace industry. It is found that in
order to conduct the research successfully, the research utilized both primary as well as secondary
data collection method. The data are collected through mixed method reflects that titanium alloy
is one of the useful materials that is utilized in order to improve the performance of the
Aerospace where as the DED is utilized in order to build quality components that are needed for
Aerospace and other automotive industries. Moreover, it is analyzed that the entire research that
is conducted will be conducted within 39 days as per the project plan that is provided.
1. Introduction
The paper mainly reflects on the additive manufacturing in order to investigate the
Titanium alloys in direct energy decomposition technology for its application in Aerospace.
According to Saboori et al. (2017), additive manufacturing is one of the appropriate ways to
describe the various technologies that are helpful in building the 3D objects by adding layer one
upon the other. On the other hand, it is stated by Dutta and Froes (2017) that DED (Directed
Energy Decomposition) is also known as the Laser Engineered Net Shaping which is mainly
utilized for repairing as well as adding materials to various types of damaged components. It is
also used for building various parts in layers with the help of proper controller source of laser. It
is found that one of the lasers which is of beam size will directly be reflected on the substrate for
creating proper melt pool. It is identified that the powered materials are generally used with the
help of powder nozzle which must be blown on the melt pool that is put inside the gas chamber.
Moreover, it is found that the head of the laser generally moves across the substrate for
depositing on the layer and moreover it is found that the entire procedure will continue until the
entire component is successfully build (Liu et al. 2017). In addition to this, it is found that the
layers which are generally built with the help of the DED technology then it generally has its
application within the field of aerospace, automotive, gas and energy. The DED technology is
considered as one of the latest development technologies that helps in providing proper guideline
for building the components successfully along with part characteristics that helps in formulating
the quality of the components for specific applications including automotive as well as aerospace
are not present within the literature.
Titanium alloys are generally utilized within the aerospace applications for their
resistance corrosion, light weight, improved elongation, high strength and exceptional properties
related with mechanical. Thus, it is found that titanium alloys are generally utilized for proper

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
decomposition within the layer-based technologies. It is found that the entire study mainly
reflects on the titanium grade 2 alloys. Moreover, it is found that number of journals as well as
articles that are generally reviewed in order to investigate the objective of the project.
2. State-of-the-art/Literature Review
According to Froes and Dutta (2014), direct energy deposition helps in allowing the
deposition of the materials with number of advantages. It is found that the main scope of the
entire technology is to properly build or repair the aerospace with the help of number of
components including titanium rudders, combustion chamber. It is found that the parts that are
generally produced with the help of this technology will generally be investigated for various
thermo-mechanical properties which generally includes hardness test, surface morphology as well
as the bonding that is developed between various layers. On the other hand, it is stated by Dutta
and Froes (2016) that the significant characteristics of the titanium alloys will generally be
helpful in properly establishing the significance the importance of DED for its application within
the aerospace.
It is found that when the selective laser melting is considered for Ti-6Al-4V, then it is
analyzed that the layer developed orientation helps in playing an important role in producing
proper dense parts. It is found that the tensile properties are quite helpful in improving the edge
orientation that allows the parts in order to improve the elongation before fracture. Moreover, it is
opined by Wolff et al. (2016) that while undertaking investigation by using the technology of
laser cladding, it is found that the entire chemical composition of titanium alloy comprises of
13% Al2O3 and TiO3 powders. After this investigation was properly conducted it is analyzed
that due to the presence of Al2O3 and TiO2 powders within the titanium alloys are helpful in
cracking parts were proper as well as excellent bonding between the various layers as well as its
substrate is generally required (Trevisan et al. 2018). Studies generally helps in reflecting that
very much small content of oxygen is generally added within the Ti-6Al-4V powder for
enhancing the yield strength as well as tensile for the final parts and additionally it helps in
reducing the ductility. Moreover, the incorporation of oxygen does jot generally lead to oxidation
but it is found that there was not appropriate embrittlement within the final parts.
According to Xu et al. (2018), deposition of laser metal within the titanium alloy is
generally studied and after conducting the study successfully it is identified that a number of
verities of microstructures and different layers of brands within the entire sample. Both the inter
layer as well as heat affected bands are generally determined. Moreover, it is observed that ILB
was generally placed properly within the entire sample. This observation generally helps in
reflecting that the results are very much helpful in improving the entire grain morphology which
further assists in enhancing the microhardness of the entire sample.
It is stated by Kenel et al. (2017) that extensive study on the entire laser power helps in
improving the efficiency of the materials. Due to increment of energy input during the entire
building procedure helps in improving the efficiency of the materials as well as dilatation degree.
Proper investigation on the model of thermo mechanical helps in reflecting on the measurement
that is generally dependent on the convection model which further requires measurement of
accurate stress in different cases. The measurement helps in reflecting that proper deflection
within the convection model generally have high thermal effects on the model that helps in
improving the model of thermo mechanical quite effectively.
According to Thompson et al. (2015), proper examination of the titanium alloy with
various types of intermetallic elements including nitrides helps in reflecting that no improvement

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
related results are associated with the final component. It is generally observed that there was so
increment within the strength due to the formation of nitrides. Also, proper loss within the laser
control is generally reflected due to the intermetallic reaction that occurs. In addition to this, it is
found that proper investigation related to laser cladding is generally conducted and after
conducting the research, it is found that fine degree of Widmannstetter structure is seen within
the heat affected deposition zone which is mainly due to the increment within the traversing
speed (Dutta and Froes 2016). Therefore, it is analyzed that proper finite element model is
generally needed for making modifications for optimizing the traversing speed of titanium alloy.
Moreover, proper investigation with the utilization of commercially pure grade 2 is generally
utilized for depositing them walls as well as solid parts which helps in resulting in producing
different parts from porosity. It is opined by Xu et al. (2018) that microstructure helps in
reflecting the acicular phase due to rapid cooling of the various deposited tracks.
After reviewing various journals as well as literatures, it is found that mechanical
characterization of the entire components that are generally manufactured with the help of direct
energy deposition technique are discussed. From the overall discussion, it is found that DED
technique is helpful in repairing the existing components. The entire literature review mainly
reflects on the refurbishment of the existing component of aerospace by considering number of
mechanical as well as chemical properties.
3. Research Question, Aim/and Sub-goals
The research questions are listed below:
 How Titanium alloys are helpful in direct energy decomposition technology for its
application in Aerospace?
 Does the design as well as building of the test specimen by using DED is helpful?
 How aerospace is built or repaired by utilizing the DED procedure?
The main aim of the project is to investigate how Titanium alloys are helpful in direct
energy decomposition technology for its application in Aerospace.
The objectives of the project are reflected below:
 To investigate the use Titanium alloys within the DED technology for application in
Aerospace.
 To design as well as building the testing specimen with the help of DED
 To built as well as to repair the DED procedure
4. Methodology
Research philosophy
Research philosophy are of three types which includes interpretivism, realism as well as
positivism. In this study, positivism is mainly used as the research philosophy in order to
complete the investigation on titanium alloy in DED for determining their applications within
Aerospace. This philosophy is used as it helps in giving proper opportunity so that the researchers
can be able to understand the reality behind the research (Mackey and Gass 2015).

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
Research Approach
Research approach is of two types which mainly includes inductive approach as well as
deductive approach. It is found that in this present case study, deductive approach is mainly used
for the establishment of appropriate theories as well as methodologies in order to fill the gap
successfully so that the work that is related with the research can be get completed successfully
(Taylor et al. 2015).
Data collection method
Data collection methods are of two types which mainly includes primary data collection
method as well as secondary data collection methods (Lewis 2015). It is found that in the current
study, primary data associated with the research is collected by interviewing the high authorities
of the aerospace industries where as secondary data are collected by reviewing the articles as well
as journals of the entire research. Thus, it is found that mixed data collection method needs to be
utilized within the entire research so that proper data can be collected successfully.
Research design
Research design are mainly of three types that mainly includes explanatory, exploratory
as well as descriptive research design (Smith 2015). In this current study, descriptive research
study is mainly conducted so that the investigation on Titanium alloy in DED for determining
their applications within Aerospace is identified. It is found that the researcher understands the
aims and objectives of the research and after understanding proper investigation is generally
conducted.
Ethical consideration
The ethical considerations that are followed within the entire research includes:
 The entire work of the research was conducted successfully by following proper ethical
guidelines
 All the research questions that are used within the research are done as per the topic of the
research
 The work of the research is done with honesty by giving accurate outcomes and findings.
5. Experimental Set-up
It is found that in order to complete the investigation on the Titanium Alloys in DED
technology for Aerospace applications, proper interview is mainly conducted for interviewing the
people of higher authorities associated with the aerospace industries in order to analyze the result
effectively. The questions that are generally asked with the help of the questionnaire are reflected
below:
 What are the advantages of using Titanium alloys in direct energy decomposition
technology for its application in Aerospace?
 Do you think that the design as well as building of the test specimen by using DED is
helpful for the aerospace industry?
 What are the methods that are used in order to build or repair the aerospace by utilizing
the DED procedure?

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
6. Results, Outcome and Relevance
After conducting the entire research, proper investigation on the Titanium Alloys in DED
technology for Aerospace applications is completed. The investigation reflects that Titanium
alloys are amongst the most significant advanced materials which are generally considered as a
key for improving the performance of the aerospace. This is mainly because of the proper
combination of excellent mechanical properties as well as outstanding corrosion behavior which
is generally exhibited by the titanium alloys. The entire research reflects that DED is quite useful
for building the different types of components which helps in formulating the quality of a
component for specific application within the aerospace. It is found that proper analysis assists in
suggesting that different parts that is generally made by the process with the help of comparative
evaluation is generally helpful for the industries in order to select proper metal-based AM
procedure within a component by considering different types of functionalities. Moreover, it is
analyzed from the research that the titanium alloys are utilized within the application of the
aerospace in order to resist corrosion, light weight as well as for improving the elongation as well
as various types of exceptional mechanical related qualities as well as properties. Additionally, it
is found that proper investigation on the model of thermo mechanical helps in reflecting on the
measurement that is generally dependent on the convection model which further requires
measurement of accurate stress in different cases.
7. Project Planning and Gantt Chart
The project plan that is was developed in order to conduct investigation on the Titanium
alloys in DED for aerospace applications reflects that 39 days is needed for completing the
research successfully. The time that is needed for executing each of the activities are reflected
with the help of the table that is given below:
WBS Task Name Duration Start Finish
0
Investigations of Titanium Alloys in Direct
Energy Deposition (DED) Technology for
Aerospace Applications
39 days Mon 22-10-
18
Thu 13-12-
18
1 Determine the project scope and problem
definition 8 days Mon 22-10-
18
Wed 31-10-
18
1.1 Determining project scope 2 days Mon 22-10-
18
Tue 23-10-
18
1.2 Identification of project aim and objectives 4 days Wed 24-10-
18
Mon 29-10-
18
1.3 Identification of research questions 2 days Tue 30-10-
18
Wed 31-10-
18
2 Literature review 7 days Thu 01-11-
18 Fri 09-11-18
2.1 Data analysis from the journals 2 days Thu 01-11-
18 Fri 02-11-18
2.2 Literature survey 3 days Mon 05-11-
18
Wed 07-11-
18
2.3 Characterization of powder material 3 days Mon 05-11- Wed 07-11-

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
18 18
2.4 Design and building of testing specimen 3 days Mon 05-11-
18
Wed 07-11-
18
2.5 Testing mechanical properties 2 days Thu 08-11-
18 Fri 09-11-18
3 Research methodology 18 days Mon 12-11-
18
Wed 05-12-
18
3.1 Analyzing research methods 2 days Mon 12-11-
18
Tue 13-11-
18
3.2 Research design 4 days Wed 14-11-
18
Mon 19-11-
18
3.3 Data collection methods 3 days Tue 20-11-
18
Thu 22-11-
18
3.4 Undertaking review 5 days Fri 23-11-18 Thu 29-11-
18
3.5 Collecting data 2 days Fri 23-11-18 Mon 26-11-
18
3.6 Analyzing data 4 days Fri 30-11-18 Wed 05-12-
18
3.7 Development and implementation 3 days Fri 30-11-18 Tue 04-12-
18
3.8 Validity and reliability of collected data 3 days Tue 27-11-
18
Thu 29-11-
18
4 Communication plan 5 days Fri 30-11-18 Thu 06-12-
18
4.1 Identification of stakeholders 2 days Fri 30-11-18 Mon 03-12-
18
4.2 Use of proper channels of communication 3 days Tue 04-12-
18
Thu 06-12-
18
5 Project closure plan 5 days Fri 07-12-18 Thu 13-12-
18
5.1 Creating draft for the project 2 days Fri 07-12-18 Mon 10-12-
18
5.2 Finalizing draft for the project 3 days Tue 11-12-
18
Thu 13-12-
18
5.3 Review the final project report 3 days Tue 11-12-
18
Thu 13-12-
18

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
Figure 1: Gantt chart
(Source: Created by Author)
8. Conclusions
It can be concluded from the entire research that the investigation on the titanium alloy in
DED for Aerospace Applications is completed successfully. It is found that number of journal
articles are generally reviewed in order to collect proper information about the use of titanium
alloy in DED for determining the Aerospace Applications. It is found that in order to conduct the
entire research mixed data collection method is utilized. It is analyzed from the entire research
that that Titanium alloys are one of the important materials that are mainly considered as a key
for improving the performance of the aerospace. Moreover, it is found that DED is useful for
building the different types of components which helps in formulating the quality aerospace
component. Additionally, it is found that a project plan is generally created that reflects the time
that is necessary for finishing the entire research successfully.

Prof. Curran/Dr. Saunders, 2013, project template v2
9.References
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Developing Economies (pp. 135-155). Springer, Singapore.
Dutta, B. and Froes, F.H., 2016. Additive manufacturing of Titanium alloys: state of the art,
challenges and opportunities. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Dutta, B. and Froes, F.S., 2017. The additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys. Metal
powder report, 72(2), pp.96-106.
Froes, F.H. and Dutta, B., 2014. The additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys.
In Advanced Materials Research (Vol. 1019, pp. 19-25). Trans Tech Publications.
Keist, J.S. and Palmer, T.A., 2016. Role of geometry on properties of additively manufactured
Ti-6Al-4V structures fabricated using laser based directed energy deposition. Materials &
Design, 106, pp.482-494.
Kenel, C., Grolimund, D., Li, X., Panepucci, E., Samson, V.A., Sanchez, D.F., Marone, F. and
Leinenbach, C., 2017. In situ investigation of phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V under additive
manufacturing conditions combining laser melting and high-speed micro-X-ray
diffraction. Scientific reports, 7(1), p.16358.
Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five
approaches. Health promotion practice, 16(4), pp.473-475.
Liu, R., Wang, Z., Sparks, T., Liou, F. and Newkirk, J., 2017. Aerospace applications of laser
additive manufacturing. In Laser Additive Manufacturing (pp. 351-371).
Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Saboori, A., Gallo, D., Biamino, S., Fino, P. and Lombardi, M., 2017. An overview of additive
manufacturing of titanium components by directed energy deposition: Microstructure and
mechanical properties. Applied Sciences, 7(9), p.883.
Smith, J.A. ed., 2015. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Taylor, S.J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Thompson, S.M., Aspin, Z.S., Shamsaei, N., Elwany, A. and Bian, L., 2015. Additive
manufacturing of heat exchangers: A case study on a multi-layered Ti–6Al–4V oscillating heat
pipe. Additive Manufacturing, 8, pp.163-174.
Trevisan, F., Calignano, F., Aversa, A., Marchese, G., Lombardi, M., Biamino, S., Ugues, D. and
Manfredi, D., 2018. Additive manufacturing of titanium alloys in the biomedical field: Processes,
properties and applications. Journal of applied biomaterials & functional materials, 16(2), pp.57-
67.
Wolff, S., Lee, T., Faierson, E., Ehmann, K. and Cao, J., 2016. Anisotropic properties of directed
energy deposition (DED)-processed Ti–6Al–4V. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 24,
pp.397-405.
Xu, J., Gu, X., Ding, D., Pan, Z. and Chen, K., 2018. A review of slicing methods for directed
energy deposition based additive manufacturing. Rapid Prototyping Journal.