This publication reviews most of the available literature on the fatigue
properties of β annealed Ti-6Al-4V and titanium alloys with similar
microstructures. The focus is on β processed and β heat-treated alloys
because β annealed Ti-6Al-4V has been selected for highly loaded and
fatigue-critical structures, including the main wing-carry-through
bulkheads and vertical tail stubs, of advanced high-performance military
aircraft.
An important aspect of the review is a concise survey of fatigue life
assessment methods and the required types of fatigue data. This survey
provides the background to recommendations for further research,
especially on the fatigue behaviour of β annealed Ti-6Al-4V under
realistic fatigue load histories, including the essential topic of
short/small fatigue crack growth. Such research is required for
independent fatigue life assessments that conform to the aircraft
manufacturer's design requirements, and also for life reassessments that
most probably will have to be made during the service life of the
aircraft.