Infrared transient-liquid-phase joining of SCS-6/ beta 21S titanium matrix composite

Fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites (TMCs) are among the advanced materials being considered for use in the aerospace industry due to their light weight, high strength, and high modulus. A rapid infrared joining process has been developed for the joining of composites and advanced materials. Rapid infrared joining has been shown not to have many of the problems associated with conventional joining methods. Two models were utilized to predict the joint evolution and fiber reaction zone growth. Titanium matrix composite, 16-ply SCS-6/ beta 21S, has been successfully joined with total processing times of approx2 min, utilizing the rapid infrared joining technique. The process utilizes a 50 deg C/s ramping rate, 17 mu m Ti-15Cu-15Ni wt.% filler material between the faying surfaces; a joining temperature of 1100 deg C; and 120 s of time to join the composite material. Joint shear-strength testing of the rapid infrared joints at temperatures as high as 800 deg C has revealed no joint failures. Also, due to the rapid cooling of the process, no poststabilization of the matrix material is necessary to prevent the formation of a brittle omega phase during subsequent use of the TMC at intermediate temperatures, 270-430 deg C, for up to 20 h.