MIL-HDBK-5H, Change Notice 1

1 October 2001

CHAPTER 5

TITANIUM

5.1 GENERAL
This chapter contains the engineering properties and related characteristics of titanium and titanium
alloys used in aircraft and missile structural applications.

General comments on engineering properties and the considerations relating to alloy selection are
presented in Section 5.1. Mechanical- and physical-property data and characteristics pertinent to specific
alloy groups or individual alloys are reported in Sections 5.2 through 5.5.

Titanium is a relatively lightweight, corrosion-resistant structural material that can be strengthened

greatly through alloying and, in some of its alloys, by heat treatment. Among its advantages for specific
applications are: good strength-to-weight ratio, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, good
corrosion resistance, good oxidation resistance at intermediate temperatures, good toughness, and low heat-
treating temperature during hardening, and others.

5.1.1 TITANIUM INDEX — The coverage of titanium and its alloys in this chapter has been divided
into four sections for systematic presentation. The system takes into account unalloyed titanium and three
groups of alloys based on metallurgical differences which in turn result in differences in fabrication and
property characteristics. The sections and the individual alloys covered under each are shown in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1. Titanium Alloys Index

Section Alloy Designation
5.2 Unalloyed Titanium
5.2.1 Commercially Pure Titanium
5.3 Alpha and Near-Alpha Titanium Alloys
5.3.1 Ti-5A1-2.5Sn (Alpha)
5.3.2 Ti-8A1-1Mo-1V (Near-Alpha)
5.3.3 Ti-6A1-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (Near-Alpha)
5.4 Alpha-Beta Titanium Alloys
5.4.1 Ti-6A1-4V
5.4.2 Ti-6A1-6V-2Sn
5.4.3 Ti - 4.5Al-3V-2Fe-2Mo
5.5 Beta, Near-Beta, and Metastable Titanium Alloys
5.5.1 Ti-13V-11Cr-3A1
5.5.2 Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3A1
5.5.3 Ti-10V-2Fe-3A1

5.1.2 MATERIAL PROPERTIES — The material properties of titanium and its alloys are determined
mainly by their alloy content and heat treatment, both of which are influential in determining the allotropic
forms in which this material will be bound. Under equilibrium conditions, pure titanium has an “alpha”
structure up to 1620EF, above which it transforms to a “beta” structure. The inherent properties of these two
structures are quite different. Through alloying and heat treatment, one or the other or a combination of these
two structures can be made to exist at service temperatures, and the properties of the material vary

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accordingly. References 5.1.2(a) and (b) provide general discussion of titanium microstructures and
associated metallography.

Titanium and titanium alloys of the alpha and alpha-beta type exhibit crystallographic textures in
sheet form in which certain crystallographic planes or directions are closely aligned with the direction of
prior working. The presence of textures in these materials lead to anisotropy with respect to many mechan-
ical and physical properties. Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus are among those properties strongly
affected by texture. Wide variations experienced in these properties both within and between sheets of
titanium alloys have been qualitatively related to variations of texture. In general, the degree of texturing,
and hence the variation of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, that is developed for alpha-beta alloys tends
to be less than that developed in all alpha titanium alloys. Rolling temperature has a pronounced effect on
the texturing of titanium alloys which may not in general be affected by subsequent thermal treatments. The
degree of applicability of the effect of textural variations discussed above on the mechanical properties of
products other than sheet is unknown at present. The values of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio listed
in this document represent the usual values obtained on products resulting from standard mill practices.
References 5.1.2(c) and (d) provide further information on texturing in titanium alloys.

5.1.2.1 Mechanical Properties —

5.1.2.1.1 Fracture Toughness — The fracture toughness of titanium alloys is greatly influenced
by such factors as chemistry variations, heat treatment, microstructure, and product thickness, as well as yield
strength. For fracture critical applications, these factors should be closely controlled. Typical values of
plane-strain fracture toughness for titanium alloys are presented in Table 5.1.2.1.1. Minimum, average, and
maximum values, as well as coefficient of variation, are presented for various products for which valid data
are available, but these values do not have the statistical reliability of the room-temperature mechanical
properties.

5.1.3 MANUFACTURING CONSIDERATIONS — Comments relating to formability, weldability, and

final heat treatment are presented under individual alloys. These comments are necessarily brief and are
intended only to aid the designer in the selection of an alloy for a specific application. In practice, departures
from recommended practices are very common and are based largely on in-plant experience. Springback is
nearly always a factor in hot or cold forming.

Final heat treatments that are indicated as “specified” heat treatments do not necessarily coincide
with the producers’ recommended heat treatments. Rather, these treatments, along with the specified room-
temperature minimum tensile properties, are contained in the heat treating-capability requirements of
applicable specifications, for example, MIL-H-81200. Departures from the specified aging cycles are often
necessary to account for aging that may take place during hot working or hot sizing or to obtain more
desirable mechanical properties, for example, improved fracture toughness. More detailed recommendations
for specific applications are generally available from the material producers.

5.1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS — Comments relating to temperature limitations in the

application of titanium and titanium alloys are presented under the individual alloys.

Below about 300EF, as well as above about 700EF, creep deformation of titanium alloys can be
expected at stresses below the yield strength. Available data indicate that room-temperature creep of
unalloyed titanium may be significant (exceed 0.2 percent creep-strain in 1,000 hours) at stresses that exceed
approximately 50 percent Fty, room-temperature creep of Ti-5A1-1.5Sn ELI may be significant at stresses
above approximately 60 percent Fty, and room-temperature creep of the standard grades of titanium alloys
may be significant at stresses above approximately 75 percent Fty. References 5.1.4(a) through (c) provide
some limited data regarding room-temperature creep of titanium alloys.

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The use of titanium and its alloys in contact with either liquid oxygen or gaseous oxygen at cryogenic
temperatures should be avoided, since either the presentation of a fresh surface (such as produced by tensile
rupture) or impact may initiate a violent reaction [Reference 5.1.4(d)]. Impact of the surface in contact with
liquid oxygen will result in a reaction at energy levels as low as 10 ft-lb. In gaseous oxygen, a partial
pressure of about 50 psi is sufficient to ignite a fresh titanium surface over the temperature range from
-250EF to room temperature or higher.

Titanium is susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking in certain anhydrous chemicals including methyl

alcohol and nitrogen tetroxide. Traces of water tend to inhibit the reaction in either environment. However,
in N2O4, NO is preferred and inhibited N2O4 contains 0.4 to 0.8 percent NO. Red fuming nitric acid with less
than 1.5 percent water and 10 to 20 percent NO2 can crack the metal and result in a pyrophoric reaction.

Titanium alloys are also susceptible to stress corrosion by dry sodium chloride at elevated tempera-
tures. This problem has been observed largely in laboratory tests at 450 to 500EF and higher and occasion-
ally in fabrication shops. However, there have been no reported failures of titanium components in service
by hot salt stress corrosion. Cleaning with a nonchlorinated solvent (to remove salt deposits, including
fingerprints) of parts used above 450EF is recommended.

In laboratory tests, with a fatigue crack present in the specimen, certain titanium alloys show an
increased crack propagation rate in the presence of water or salt water as compared with the rate in air.
These alloys also may show reduced sustained load-carrying ability in aqueous environments in the presence
of fatigue cracks. Crack growth rates in salt water are a function of sheet or section thickness. These alloys
are not susceptible in the form of thin-gauge sheet, but become susceptible as thickness increases. The
thickness at which susceptibility occurs varies over a visual range with the alloy and processing. Alloys of
titanium found susceptible to this effect include some from alpha, alpha-beta, and beta-type microstructures.
In some cases, special processing techniques and heat treatments have been developed that minimize this
effect. References 5.1.4(e) through (g) present detailed summaries of corrosion and stress corrosion of
titanium alloys.

Under certain conditions, titanium, when in contact with cadmium, silver, mercury, or certain of their
compounds, may become embrittled. Refer to MIL-HDBK-1568 for restrictions concerning applications with
titanium in contact with these metals or their compounds.

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 a
Table 5.1.2.1.1. Values of Room Temperature Plain-Strain Fracture of Titanium Alloys
REPRINTED WITHOUT CHANGE.

KIc, ksi


in.
Yield Product Specimen
Heat Strength Thickness Number Thickness
Treat Product Range, Range, of Sample Range, Coefficient
Max. Avg. Min.
Alloy Condition Form Orientationb ksi inches Sources Size inches of Variation
Ti-6Al-4V Mill Forged L-T 121-143 <3.5 2 43 0.6-1.1 77 60 38 10.5
Annealed Bar
Ti-6Al-4V Mill Forged T-L 124-145 <3.5 2 64 0.5-1.3 81 57 33 11.7

1 December 1998
MIL-HDBK-5H
Annealed Bar

a These values are for information only.

5-4

b Refer to Figure 1.4.12.3 for definition of symbols.

 MIL-HDBK-5H
1 December 1998

5.2 UNALLOYED TITANIUM

Several grades of unalloyed titanium are offered and are classified on the basis of manufacturing
method, degree of purity, or strength, there being a close relationship among these. The unalloyed titanium
grades most commonly used are produced by the Kroll process, are intermediate in purity, and are commonly
referred to as being of commercial purity.

5.2.1 COMMERCIALLY PURE TITANIUM

5.2.1.0 Comments and Properties — Unalloyed titanium is available in all familiar product
forms and is noted for its excellent formability. Unalloyed titanium is readily welded or brazed. It has been
used primarily where strength is not the main requirement.

Manufacturing Considerations — Unalloyed titanium is supplied in the annealed condition permit-

ting extensive forming at room temperature. Severe forming operations also can be accomplished at elevated
temperatures (300 to 900
F). Property degradation can be experienced after severe forming if as-received
material properties are not restored by re-annealing.

Commercially pure titanium can be welded readily by the several methods employed for titanium
joining. Atmospheric shielding is preferable although spot or seam welding may be accomplished without
shielding. Brazing requires protection from the atmosphere which may be obtained by fluxing as well as by
inert gas or vacuum shielding.

Environmental Considerations — Titanium has an unusually high affinity for oxygen, nitrogen, and
hydrogen at temperatures above 1050
F. This results in embrittlement of the material, thus usage should be
limited to temperatures below that indicated. Additional chemical reactivity between titanium and selected
environments such as methyl alcohol, chloride salt solutions, hydrogen, and liquid metal, can take place at
lower temperatures, as discussed in Section 5.1.4 and its references.

Under certain conditions, titanium, when in contact with cadmium, silver, mercury, or certain of their
compounds, may become embrittled. Refer to MIL-S-5002 and MIL-STD-1568 for restrictions concerning
applications with titanium in contact with these metals or their compounds.

Heat Treatment — Commercially pure titanium is fully annealed by heating to 1000 to 1300
F for
10 to 30 minutes. It is stress relieved by heating to 900 to 1000
F for 30 minutes. Commercially pure
titanium cannot be hardened by heat treatment.

Specifications and Properties — Some material specifications for commercially pure titanium are
presented in Table 5.2.1.0(a). Room-temperature mechanical properties for commercially pure titanium are
shown in Tables 5.1.2.0(b) and (c). The effect of temperature on physical properties is shown in Figure
5.2.1.0.

5.2.1.1 Annealed Condition — Elevated-temperature data for annealed commercially pure

titanium are presented in Figures 5.2.1.1.1(a) through 5.2.1.1.3(b). Typical full-range stress-strain curves
for the 40 and 70 ksi yield strength commercially pure titanium are shown in Figures 5.2.1.1.6(a) and (b).

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 MIL-HDBK-5H, Change Notice 1
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Table 5.2.1.0(a). Material Specifications for

Commercially Pure Titanium

Specification Form
AMS 4900 Sheet, strip, and plate
AMS 4901 Sheet, strip, and plate
AMS 4902 Sheet, strip, and plate
AMS-T-9046 Sheet, strip, and plate
MIL-T-9047a Bar
AMS 4921 Bar
AMS-T-81556 Extruded bars and shapes
a Inactive for new design

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I n t er act i ve T ab l e - D e s ig n P rop er t i es Interacti ve T ab le - T yp i c a l P r op ert i es

Table 5.2.1.0(b). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of Commercially Pure

Titanium

AMS 4902 AMS 4900 AMS 4901 AMS 4921

MIL-T-
Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIL-T-9046 and MIL-T- and MIL-T- and MIL-T- and MIL-T-
9047
9046 9046 9046 9047

Designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CP-4 CP-3 CP-2 CP-1 CP-70

Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sheet, strip, and plate Bar

Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annealed Annealed

3.000-
Thickness or diameter, in. . . . . . . . . .
1.000
2.999a 4.000a

Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S S S S S S

Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L ..................... 35 50 65 80 80 80
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 50 65 80 80b 80
ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... 80
Fty, ksi:
L ..................... 25 40 55 70 70 70
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 40 55 70 70b 70
ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... 70
Fcy, ksi:
L ..................... ... ... ... 70 ... ...
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 70 ... ...
Fsu, ksi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 42 ... ...
Fbru, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 120 ... ...
(e/D = 2.0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... ...
Fbry, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... 101 ... ...
(e/D = 2.0) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... ...
e, percent:
L ..................... 24c 20c 18c 15c 15 15
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24c 20c 18c 15c 15b 15
ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... 15
RA, percent:
L ..................... ... ... ... ... 30 30
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... 30b 30
ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... 30

E, 103 ksi ........................ 15.5

Ec, 103 ksi ...................... 16.0
G, 103 ksi ....................... 6.5
µ ...................................... ...

Physical Properties:

, lb/in.3 ......................... 0.163
C, K, and  .................... See Figure 5.2.1.0

a Maximum of 16-square-inch cross-sectional area.

b Long transverse properties apply to rectangular bar only for thickness >0.500 inches and widths >3.000 inches.
For AMS 4921, (e) (LT) = 12% and RA (LT) = 25%.
c Thickness of 0.025 inch and above.

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 MIL-HDBK-5H, Change Notice 1
1 October 2001

I n t er act i ve T ab l e - D e s ig n P rop er t i es Interacti ve T ab le - T yp i c a l P r op ert i es

Table 5.2.1.0(c). Design Mechanical and Physical Properties of Commercially Pure

Titanium Extruded Bars and Shapes

Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . AMS-T-81556
Comp. CP-4 Comp. CP-3 Comp. CP-2 Comp. CP-1
Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extruded bars and shapes
Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annealed
Thickness or diameter, in. . . 0.188-3.000
Basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S S S S
Mechanical Properties:
Ftu, ksi:
L ................... 40 50 65 80
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
Fty, ksi:
L ................... 30 40 55 70
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
Fcy, ksi:
L ................... ... ... ... ...
LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
Fsu, ksi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
Fbru, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0) . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
Fbry, ksi:
(e/D = 1.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
(e/D = 2.0) . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ... ... ...
e, percent:
L ................... a a a a
E, 103 ksi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.5
Ec, 103 ksi . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.0
G, 103 ksi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.5
µ .................... ...
Physical Properties:
ω, lb/in.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.163
C, K, and α . . . . . . . . . . . . See Figure 5.2.1.0

a Elongation in percent as follows:

Thickness, inches Comp. CP-4 Comp. CP-3 Comp. CP-2 Comp. CP-1
0.188-1.000 25 20 18 15
1.001-2.000 20 18 15 12
2.001-3.000 18 15 12 10

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VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.0. Effect of temperature on the physical properties of commercially

pure titanium.

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 MIL-HDBK-5H
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VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.1(a). Effect of temperature on the tensile ultimate strength (Ftu) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.1(b). Effect of temperature on the tensile yield strength (Fty) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

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 MIL-HDBK-5H
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VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.2(a). Effect of temperature on the compressive yield strength (Fcy) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.2(b). Effect of temperature on the shear ultimate strength (Fsu) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

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 MIL-HDBK-5H
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VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.3(a). Effect of temperature on the bearing ultimate strength (Fbru) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH

Figure 5.2.1.1.3(b). Effect of temperature on the bearing yield strength (Fbry) of

annealed commercially pure titanium.

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 VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH
5-13

Figure 5.2.1.1.6(a). Typical full-range tensile stress-strain curve for commercially pure titanium sheet
(40 ksi yield at room temperature).
 VIEW INTERACTIVE GRAPH
5-14

Figure 5.2.1.1.6(b). Typical full-range tensile stress-strain curve for commercially pure titanium sheet
(70 ksi yield at room temperature).