TODAY’S airplane has much of its structure subjected to temperatures above the range where aluminum alloys are advantageous. Titanium appeared to have considerable weight advantage over stainless steels in this moderate temperature range.
A preliminary screening program of its fabrication characteristics established its basic relationship to other materials, such as aluminum alloys, magnesium, and stainless steel, with which we were familiar. From this, design and tooling practices, as well as processing and manufacturing techniques and procedures, were established, according to the author.
The approach is one of determining the characteristics of the material and adapting designing and manufacturing practices compatible with the material.
This paper received the 1951 Wright Brothers Medal.