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Why do wide-body airliners use titanium in turbofan engines?
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titanium
Properties of titanium.
Wide-body airliners utilize titanium in their turbofan engines primarily because of the metal's high strength-to-weight ratio, low density, and ability to withstand high temperatures.123
The development of large, high-bypass turbofan engines was made possible by these lightweight, high-strength alloys, which now account for more than 25 percent of the total weight of these engines. In the fan and compressor sections, where temperatures can reach up to 600 °C, titanium is used for critical components such as:3
- Compressor blades, disks, and hubs3
- Inlet cases3
- Spacers and seals3
Beyond its mechanical properties, titanium's excellent corrosion resistance ensures the durability of these components under the demanding conditions of flight.13