Chapter 11: Problem 12

Give the distinctive features, limitations, and applications of the following alloy groups: titanium alloys, refractory metals, superalloys, and noble metals.

Short Answer

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Question: Describe one distinctive feature, limitation, and application of each of the following alloy groups: titanium alloys, refractory metals, superalloys, and noble metals. Answer: Titanium alloys have a high strength-to-weight ratio and can be limited by their high costs; they are commonly used in aerospace applications. Refractory metals have high melting points but are brittle at low temperatures; they are used in high-temperature furnaces. Superalloys have excellent heat resistance but can be costly to manufacture; they are used in jet engines and gas turbines. Noble metals are chemically inert but can be relatively expensive; they are widely used in jewelry and electronics.

Step by step solution

Introduction

The four major alloy groups (titanium alloys, refractory metals, superalloys, and noble metals) have distinctive characteristics and properties. We will discuss their key features, limitations, and relevant applications.

Titanium Alloys

- Distinctive Features: Titanium alloys have excellent strength to weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, and good mechanical properties. They maintain their properties in high temperatures and cryogenic conditions. - Limitations: They can be difficult to manufacture and machine due to their reactivity with other materials. The cost of raw materials for titanium alloys can also be high. - Applications: Titanium alloys are widely used in aerospace, medical implants, automotive industry, and chemical processing equipment.

Refractory Metals

- Distinctive Features: Refractory metals have a high melting point, excellent heat resistance, and strong chemical resistance. They exhibit high strength and hardness at elevated temperatures. The most common refractory metals are tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, and rhenium. - Limitations: Refractory metals are dense, brittle at low temperatures, and have limited availability. They can also be expensive and difficult to fabricate. - Applications: Refractory metals are commonly used in electrical applications (such as resistive filaments), high-temperature furnaces, solar and space applications, and coating materials.

Superalloys

- Distinctive Features: Superalloys have high mechanical strength, excellent heat resistance, and good corrosion resistance. They exhibit high-temperature stability and creep resistance. - Limitations: Superalloys can be costly and challenging to manufacture and process, and their availability can be limited. - Applications: They are commonly used for high-temperature applications, such as jet engines, gas turbines, nuclear reactors, and chemical processing equipment.

Noble Metals

- Distinctive Features: Noble metals are chemically inert and do not oxidize or corrode easily. They have desirable electrical and thermal conductivities. The most common noble metals are gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, and iridium. - Limitations: Noble metals are relatively rare, expensive, and have a limited range of mechanical properties due to their softness. - Applications: Noble metals are mainly used for jewelry, high-end electronics, catalysts, and chemical processing equipment. By understanding each alloy group's features, limitations, and applications, you can make more informed decisions about which alloy is most suitable for a specific application.

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Give the distinctive features, limitations, and applications of the following alloy groups: titanium alloys, refractory metals, superalloys, and noble metals.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction

Titanium Alloys

Refractory Metals

Superalloys

Noble Metals

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