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Kinsz
Titanium, a metal that has been in industrial use for just over 100 years, is the predominant substance used in aerospace applications of all kinds. In a way, titanium is a wonder element, due to its array of attractive qualities. In the early days of aircraft manufacturing, countless conceptual designs sat on the shelf, with no possibility of ever seeing the light of day. The reason for that sad state of affairs had to do with the lack of a lightweight, yet strong, metal for use in aircraft construction. Along came titanium, and from that point onward everything was different.
The key quality of titanium, which makes it of such enormous advantage to industry, is its high strength-to-weight ratio. No other metal even comes close to the practicality of titanium. The element borrows its name, in fact, from the legendary Titans of Greek myth, who were known not only for their ferocity on the battlefield, but also for their iron willpower. In light of the recent history of aerospace technology, it is appropriate that the metal took its name from those dynamic gods of yore.
One big misconception about titanium has to do with its innate strength. In fact, in its natural form, the metal is rather weak and soft. Only after alloying titanium with one of several other metals does it become the scientific powerhouse upon which its reputation is built. While entire books could, and indeed have been, written about titanium, a very short list of its amazing properties reads like a record book. The metal resists corrosion, oxidation, fracturing, and fatigue, as well as temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
And it is not just the aerospace industry that uses large quantities of titanium. The automotive design field could not exist for even one day without tons of titanium for all sorts of vehicle components. As well, the jewelry industry and the medical research sector are users of titanium. Lately, the role of the wonder metal in the manufacture of artificial limbs for the disabled has flourished. It seems that each passing day finds yet another news story hailing titanium for some new application.
Military uses of titanium are literally in the hundreds, perhaps the thousands. The strength needed for fighter jets demands titanium in wings, engine components, and body panels. Commercial planes also employ the element in landing gear and a wide variety of parts. Titanium's low weight and extreme strength are the dual characteristics which make the metal indispensable to modern science. Without this strong, diversely capable substance, modern technology as we know it could not exist.
The key quality of titanium, which makes it of such enormous advantage to industry, is its high strength-to-weight ratio. No other metal even comes close to the practicality of titanium. The element borrows its name, in fact, from the legendary Titans of Greek myth, who were known not only for their ferocity on the battlefield, but also for their iron willpower. In light of the recent history of aerospace technology, it is appropriate that the metal took its name from those dynamic gods of yore.
One big misconception about titanium has to do with its innate strength. In fact, in its natural form, the metal is rather weak and soft. Only after alloying titanium with one of several other metals does it become the scientific powerhouse upon which its reputation is built. While entire books could, and indeed have been, written about titanium, a very short list of its amazing properties reads like a record book. The metal resists corrosion, oxidation, fracturing, and fatigue, as well as temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
And it is not just the aerospace industry that uses large quantities of titanium. The automotive design field could not exist for even one day without tons of titanium for all sorts of vehicle components. As well, the jewelry industry and the medical research sector are users of titanium. Lately, the role of the wonder metal in the manufacture of artificial limbs for the disabled has flourished. It seems that each passing day finds yet another news story hailing titanium for some new application.
Military uses of titanium are literally in the hundreds, perhaps the thousands. The strength needed for fighter jets demands titanium in wings, engine components, and body panels. Commercial planes also employ the element in landing gear and a wide variety of parts. Titanium's low weight and extreme strength are the dual characteristics which make the metal indispensable to modern science. Without this strong, diversely capable substance, modern technology as we know it could not exist.
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