Microstructural analysis of titanium alloys based on high-temperature phase reconstruction

The microstructural evolution of titanium alloys under high-temperature conditions plays a key role in determining their mechanical properties and hot working behavior. This research presents an advanced method for calibrating β phase reconstruction software using in situ testing on Grade 2 titanium, which achieves accurate reconstruction of the parent β phase microstructure. In addition, unique microstructural observations in the forging of Ti-6246 titanium alloy are highlighted, demonstrating the influence of deformation parameters on the resulting β phase grain structures. Using advanced techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction and Burgers orientation relationship-based software, the research elucidates the behavior of these phases under varying thermal and deformation conditions. In Grade 2 titanium, significant grain growth and phase transformation dynamics were observed upon heating beyond the β-transus temperature during in situ calibration of β phase reconstruction software. The analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of the software in precise reconstructing the parent β phase microstructure based on the orientation of the inherited αs phase. Furthermore, the evaluation of hot forming parameters in Ti-6246 alloy shows the influence of deformation temperature and strain rate on the resulting microstructure. Finite element method analysis coupled with dynamic material modeling elucidates the distribution of temperature, strain rate, and effective strain during forging, which aids in the qualitative assessment of hot workability. Microstructural observations in Ti-6246 alloy forging highlight the presence of elongated colonies of αs phase precipitates, indicative of localized strain intensities and deformation temperatures. In addition, EBSD analysis coupled with β phase reconstruction reveals distinct microstructural features in different regions of the forging. In particular, regions subjected to higher strain rates exhibit elongated β phase grains with pronounced disorientation gradients, suggesting intense deformation. Conversely, optimal forging conditions lead to the appearance of unreinforced axisymmetric β phase grains, indicating dynamic recovery processes. Pole figure analysis further emphasizes the Burgers crystallographic relationship between the αs and β phases, confirming that deformation during forging occurs exclusively within the β phase. These results provide valuable insights into the microstructural evolution in titanium alloys under high-temperature conditions, which are essential for optimizing hot working processes and improving mechanical properties. Graphical abstract: