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Refractory
metals capable of withstanding high-stress levels at
elevated temperatures have been developed to meet the
needs of high-performance, lightweight aerospace propulsion
systems. The metals which best demonstrate this are
the niobium based alloys. C-103 (Nb-10 Hf-1 Ti) was
selected to satisfy initial design requirements because
of its excellent fabrication capabilities. It is the
most "forgivable" niobium alloy for welding and shape
forming. Although it is considered a first generation
alloy (succeeding Nb1 Zr), C-103 was developed to replace
the weaker alloys, while retaining the desirable forming
and welding properties. This niobium-hafnium-titanium
alloy satisfies most rocket engine requirements for
temperatures up to 2700° F.
Extensive
testing has shown that niobium's reliability has greatly
reduced program costs. Niobium-based alloys offer tremendous
weight savings over many other rocket engine design
materials. Consequently, they are being used, in many
different fabricated forms, in most major aerospace
programs.
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