Shot Peening to Enhance Fatigue Strength of TIMETAL LCB for Application as Suspension Springs

Author:  Kiese, Zhang, Schauerte and Wagner
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-8 Sept. 16-20, 2002 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Doc ID:  2002049
Year of Publication:  2002
Abstract:  
Authors Jurgen Kiese 1), Jiulai Zhang 2), Oliver Schauerte 1) and Lothar Wagner 2) 1) Volkswagen AG, Wolfsburg, Germany 2) Chair of Physical Metallurgy and Materials Technology, Technical University of Brandenburg at Cottbus, Cottbus, Germany Abstract The titanium alloy Low Cost Beta (TIMETAL LCB) was specifically developed for automotive applications. The combination of high yield stress, low Young's modulus, low density and reasonable material costs makes this alloy most suitable for substituting spring steels for suspension springs. Goal of the present investigation was twofold. Firstly, the material's microstructure was optimized by suitable heat treatments for good yield stress-ductility combinations and best high cycle fatigue (HCF) performance. Secondly, shot peening was applied using various Almen intensities to further improve the fatigue behavior. Fatigue performance of optimum shot peened conditions will be compared with an electropolished reference.