Materialism: A Materials Science Podcast Episode 97: Titanium
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Nov 18, 2024 Dive into the world of titanium, a remarkable material linked to both Mach-3 aircraft and hip replacements. Discover its fascinating historical journey, from 18th-century discovery to military aviation breakthroughs. The hosts discuss unexpected challenges in aerospace manufacturing, including the risks posed by cadmium-plated tools. Explore the complexities of titanium alloys, their diverse applications in industries like aerospace and medicine, and innovations like the Aerosynth machine that aim to overcome processing hurdles.
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Titanium's Unique Strength and Corrosion
- Titanium has a high specific strength, meaning it is very strong for its weight.
- Its passive oxide film provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it unique among metals.
CIA's Secret Titanium Procurement
- The CIA created shell companies to covertly buy Soviet titanium during Cold War programs.
- This titanium was used to build US Mach 3 planes like the SR-71 for espionage missions.
Train for Titanium Machining
- Properly train machinists on titanium milling techniques to prevent costly tool breakage.
- Provide correct tooling and parameters tailored specifically for titanium's challenging properties.
