Niobium Datasheets
C-103
Overview
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The requirement for high-performance, lightweight
space propulsion systems has prompted rapid investigation of refractory
metals that are capable of withstanding high stress levels at elevated
temperatures, and also have a low ductile-to-brittle transition
temperature for withstanding high frequency vibrations at cryogenic
temperatures. The metals which demonstrate these requirements are
the Niobium based alloys. C-103 was selected to satisfy initial
design requirements because of its excellent fabricability. C-103
is considered the most "forgiveable" Niobium alloy from the standpoint
of welding and spinning. Hardware which has had as much as 600" (1524 cm)
of TIG weldments formed after welding and coating has withstood
a 2T bend at -195°C (-320°F) after the unit had completed its duty cycle.
Although it is considered a first generation alloy, succeeding Nb-1
Zr, C-103 was developed to replace the weaker alloys, but retain
the desirable formability characteristics and welding properties.
This Niobium-Hafnium-Titanium alloy satisfies most rocket engine
applications for temperatures up to 1482°C (2700°F) because of superior mechanical
properties at all temperatures. Extensive testing of coated components
has shown that the reliability of Niobium has greatly reduced program
costs as the components have been used for as many as ten times
the duty cycle. Niobium also offers tremendous weight savings over
many other rocket engine design materials. Niobium base alloys are
finding wide use in most major aerospace programs in many different
fabricated forms.
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