Bending Titanium and Beryllium Sheet in Pressurized Fluid

Abstract

Bend tests were conducted to determine the effect of changes in ambient pressure on the minimum bend radii of titanium and beryllium sheet. Sheet specimens of commercially pure titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-8Mo-8V-2Fe-3Al (beta-titanium alloy), Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V, and 1.5 percent BeO beryllium sheet were bent using a series of bend radii in fluid pressurized up to 225,000 psi. All the materials could be bent to radii well below this pressure level except Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V, and beryllium. Extrapolation of the test results indicated that these latter two material would have to be pressurized to about 260,000 psi to accommodate a 1T bend. No relationship was evident between mechanical properties of the sheet and the influence of ambient pressure on minimum bend radii. Strain and reduction in area values experienced by the sheet in bending were calculated as a function of bend radius.