Competitive oxidation behavior of Ni-based superalloy GH4738 at extreme temperature

A high thrust-to-weight ratio poses challenges to the high-temperature performance of Ni-based superalloys. The oxidation behavior of GH4738 at extreme temperatures has been investigated by isothermal and non-isothermal experiments. As a result of the competitive diffusion of alloying elements, the oxide scale included an outermost porous oxide layer (OOL), an inner relatively dense oxide layer (IOL), and an internal oxide zone (IOZ), depending on the temperature and time. A high temperature led to the formation of large voids at the IOL/IOZ interface. At 1200℃, the continuity of the Cr-rich oxide layer in the IOL was destroyed, and thus, spallation occurred. Extension of oxidation time contributed to the size of Al-rich oxide particles with the increase in the IOZ. Based on this finding,the oxidation kinetics of GH4738 was discussed, and the corresponding oxidation behavior at 900-1100℃ was predicted.

Oxidation behavior of 4774DD1 Ni-based single-crystal superalloy at 980℃ in air

The oxidation behavior of a novel Ni-based single-crystal 4774DD1 superalloy for industrial gas turbine applications was investigated by the isothermal oxidation at 980℃ and discontinuous oxidation weight gain methods.The phase constitution and morphology of surface oxides and the characteristics of the crosssection oxide film were analyzed by XRD,SEM and EDS.Results show that the oxidation kinetics of the 4774DD1 superalloy follows the cubic law,indicating its weak oxidation resistance at this temperature.As the oxidation time increases,the composition of the oxide film evolves as following:One layer consisting of a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer and an upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer after oxidized for 25 h.Then,two layers composed of an outermost small NiO discontinuous grain layer and an internal layer for 75 h.This internal layer is consisted of the bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer,an intermediate narrow CrTaO_(4)sublayer,and an upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer.Also two layers comprising an outermost relative continuous NiO layer with large grain size and an internal layer as the oxidation time increases to 125 h.This internal layer is composed of the upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer,an intermediate continuous(CrTaO_(4)+NiWO_(4))mixture sublayer,and a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer.Finally,three layers consisting of an outermost(NiAl2O_(4)+NiCr2O_(4))mixture layer,an intermediate(CrTaO_(4)+NiWO_(4))mixture layer,and a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)layer for 200 h.

Recent research progress in the mechanism and suppression of fusion welding-induced liquation cracking of nickel based superalloys

Nickel-based superalloys are extensively used in the crucial hot-section components of industrial gas turbines,aeronautics,and astronautics because of their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at high temperatures.Fusion welding serves as an effective means for joining and repairing these alloys;however,fusion welding-induced liquation cracking has been a challenging issue.This paper comprehensively reviewed recent liquation cracking,discussing the formation mechanisms,cracking criteria,and remedies.In recent investigations,regulating material composition,changing the preweld heat treatment of the base metal,optimizing the welding process parameters,and applying auxiliary control methods are effective strategies for mitigating cracks.To promote the application of nickel-based superalloys,further research on the combination impact of multiple elements on cracking prevention and specific quantitative criteria for liquation cracking is necessary.

A novel high-Cr CoNi-based superalloy with superior high-temperature microstructural stability, oxidation resistance and mechanical properties

A novel multicomponent high-Cr CoNi-based superalloy with superior comprehensive performance was prepared,and the evaluation of its high-temperature microstructural stability,oxidation resistance,and mechanical properties was conducted mainly using its cast polycrystalline alloy.The results disclosed that the morphology of theγ′phase remained stable,and the coarsening rate was slow during the long-term aging at 900–1000℃.The activation energy forγ′precipitate coarsening of alloy 9CoNi-Cr was(402±51)kJ/mol,which is higher compared with those of CMSX-4 and some other Ni-based and Co-based superalloys.Importantly,there was no indica-tion of the formation of topologically close-packed phases during this process.All these factors demonstrated the superior microstructural stability of the alloy.The mass gain of alloy 9CoNi-Cr was 0.6 mg/cm^(2) after oxidation at 1000℃ for 100 h,and the oxidation resistance was comparable to advanced Ni-based superalloys CMSX-4,which can be attributed to the formation of a continuous Al_(2)O_(3) protective layer.Moreover,the compressive yield strength of this cast polycrystalline alloy at high temperatures is clearly higher than that of the conventional Ni-based cast superalloy and the compressive minimum creep rate at 950℃ is comparable to that of the conventional Ni-based cast superalloy,demonstrating the alloy’s good mechanical properties at high temperature.This is partially because high Cr is bene-ficial in improving theγandγ′phase strengths of alloy 9CoNi-Cr.

Effect of hot isostatic pressure on the microstructure and tensile properties of γ'-strengthened superalloy fabricated through induction-assisted directed energy deposition

The microstructure characteristics and strengthening mechanism of Inconel738LC(IN-738LC) alloy prepared by using induction-assisted directed energy deposition(IDED) were elucidated through the investigation of samples subjected to IDED under 1050℃ preheating with and without hot isostatic pressing(HIP,1190℃,105 MPa,and 3 h).Results show that the as-deposited sample mainly consisted of epitaxial columnar crystals and inhomogeneously distributed γ’ phases in interdendritic and dendritic core regions.After HIP,grain morphology changed negligibly,whereas the size of the γ’ phase became increasingly even.After further heat treatment(HT,1070℃,2 h + 845℃,24 h),the γ’ phase in the as-deposited and HIPed samples presented a bimodal size distribution,whereas that in the as-deposited sample showed a size that remained uneven.The comparison of tensile properties revealed that the tensile strength and uniform elongation of the HIP + HTed sample increased by 5% and 46%,respectively,due to the synergistic deformation of bimodal γ’phases,especially large cubic γ’ phases.Finally,the relationship between phase transformations and plastic deformations in the IDEDed sample was discussed on the basis of generalized stability theory in terms of the trade-off between thermodynamics and kinetics.

A review of linear friction welding of Ni -based superalloys

Ni-based superalloys are one of the most important materials employed in high-temperature applications within the aerospace and nuclear energy industries and in gas turbines due to their excellent corrosion,radiation,fatigue resistance,and high-temperature strength.Linear friction welding(LFW)is a new joining technology with near-net-forming characteristics that can be used for the manu-facture and repair of a wide range of aerospace components.This paper reviews published works on LFW of Ni-based superalloys with the aim of understanding the characteristics of frictional heat generation and extrusion deformation,microstructures,mechanical proper-ties,flash morphology,residual stresses,creep,and fatigue of Ni-based superalloy weldments produced with LFW to enable future optim-um utilization of the LFW process.

Effect of Ti and Ta content on the oxidation resistance of Co-Ni-based superalloys

Co-Ni-based superalloys are known for their capability to function at elevated temperatures and superior hot corrosion and thermal fatigue resistance.Therefore,these alloys show potential as crucial high-temperature structural materials for aeroengine and gas turbine hot-end components.Our previous work elucidated the influence of Ti and Ta on the high-temperature mechanical properties of alloys.However,the intricate interaction among elements considerably affects the oxidation resistance of alloys.In this paper,Co-35Ni-10Al-2W-5Cr-2Mo-1Nb-xTi-(5−x)Ta alloys(x=1,2,3,4)with varying Ti and Ta contents were designed and compounded,and their oxidation resistance was investigated at the temperature range from 800 to 1000℃.After oxidation at three test conditions,namely,800℃for 200 h,900℃for 200 h,and 1000℃for 50 h,the main structure of the oxide layer of the alloy consisted of spinel,Cr_(2)O_(3),and Al_(2)O_(3)from outside to inside.Oxides consisting of Ta,W,and Mo formed below the Cr_(2)O_(3)layer.The interaction of Ti and Ta imparted the highest oxidation resistance to 3Ti2Ta alloy.Conversely,an excessive amount of Ti or Ta resulted in an adverse effect on the oxidation resistance of the alloys.This study reports the volatilization of W and Mo oxides during the oxidation process of Co-Ni-based cast superalloys with a high Al content for the first time and explains the formation mechanism of holes in the oxide layer.The results provide a basis for gaining insights into the effects of the interaction of alloying elements on the oxidation resistance of the alloys they form.

Effect of the capsule on deformation and densification behavior of nickel-based superalloy compact during hot isostatic pressing

The Shima yield criterion used in finite element analysis for nickel-based superalloy powder compact during hot isostatic pressing(HIP) was modified through uniaxial compression experiments. The influence of cylindrical capsule characteristics on FGH4096M superalloy powder compact deformation and densification behavior during HIP was investigated through simulations and experiments. Results revealed the simulation shrinkage prediction fitted well with the experimental shrinkage including a maximum shrinkage error of 1.5%. It was shown that the axial shrinkage was 1.7% higher than radial shrinkage for a cylindrical capsule with the size of ∮50 mm × 100 mm due to the force arm difference along the axial and radial direction of the capsule. The stress deviated from the isostatic state in the capsule led to the uneven shrinkage and non-uniform densification of the powder compact. The ratio of the maximum radial displacement to axial displacement increased from0.47 to 0.75 with the capsule thickness increasing from 2 to 4 mm. The pressure transmission is related to the capsule thickness, the capsule material performance, and physical parameters in the HIP process.

Elastic-viscoplastic constitutive equations of K439B superalloy and thermal stress simulation during casting process

K439B nickel-based superalloy is a new type of high-temperature material.There is insufficient research on its constitutive equations and numerical modeling of thermal stress.Isothermal tensile experiments of K439B superalloy at different temperatures(20°C-1,000°C)and strain rates(1.33×10^(-3)s^(-1)-5.33×10^(-3)s^(-1))were performed by using a Gleeble-3800 simulator.The elastic moduli at different temperatures(20°C-650°C)were measured by resonance method.Subsequently,stress-strain curves were measured for K439B superalloy under different conditions.The elastic-viscoplastic constitutive equations were established and the correspongding parameters were solved by employing the Perzyna model.The verification results indicate that the calculated values of the constitutive equations are in good agreement with the experimental values.On this basis,the influence of process parameters on thermal stress was investigated by numerical simulation and orthogonal experimental design.The results of orthogonal experimental design reveal that the cooling mode of casting has a significant influence on the thermal stress,while pouring temperature and preheating temperature of shell mold have minimal impact.The distribution of physical fields under optimal process parameters,determined based on the orthogonal experimental design results,was simulated.The simulation results determine separately the specific positions with maximum values for effective stress,plastic strain,and displacement within the casting.The maximum stress is about 1,000.0 MPa,the plastic strain is about 0.135,and the displacement is about 1.47 mm.Moreover,the distribution states of thermal stress,strain,and displacement are closely related to the distribution of the temperature gradient and cooling rate in the casting.The research would provide a theoretical reference for exploring the stress-strain behavior and numerical modeling of the effective stress of the alloy during the casting process.

Additive manufacturing of Ni-based superalloys: Residual stress, mechanisms of crack formation and strategies for crack inhibition

The additive manufacturing(AM)of Ni-based superalloys has attracted extensive interest from both academia and industry due to its unique capabilities to fabricate complex and high-performance components for use in high-end industrial systems.However,the intense temperature gradient induced by the rapid heating and cooling processes of AM can generate high levels of residual stress and metastable chemical and structural states,inevitably leading to severe metallurgical defects in Ni-based superalloys.Cracks are the greatest threat to these materials’integrity as they can rapidly propagate and thereby cause sudden and non-predictable failure.Consequently,there is a need for a deeper understanding of residual stress and cracking mechanisms in additively manufactured Ni-based superalloys and ways to potentially prevent cracking,as this knowledge will enable the wider application of these unique materials.To this end,this paper comprehensively reviews the residual stress and the various mechanisms of crack formation in Ni-based superalloys during AM.In addition,several common methods for inhibiting crack formation are presented to assist the research community to develop methods for the fabrication of crack-free additively manufactured components.

Microstructure,segregation and precipitate evolution in directionally solidified GH4742 superalloy

The evolution of microstructure,elemental segregation,and precipitation in GH4742 superalloy under a wide range of cooling rates was investigated using zonal melting liquid metal cooling(ZMLMC) experiments.Comparing various nickel-based superalloys,the primary dendrite spacing is significantly linearly correlated with G^(-1/2)V^(-1/4) at high cooling rates,where G and V are temperature gradient and drawing rate,respectively.As the cooling rate decreases,the primary dendrite spacing increases in a dispersive manner.The secondary dendrite arm spacing is significantly correlated with(GV)^(-0.4) for all cooling rate ranges.The degree of elemental segregation increases and then decreases as the cooling rate increases,which is due to the competition between solute counter-diffusion and dendrite tip subcooling.With increasing the solidification rate,the size of γ′,carbides,and non-metallic inclusions gradually decreases.The morphology of the γ′ precipitate changes from plume-like to cubic to spherical.The morphology of carbide changes from block to fine-strip then to Chinese-script.The morphology of carbide is controlled by both dendrite interstitial shape and element diffusion.The inclusions are mainly composite inclusions,which usually show the growth of Ti(C,N) with oxide as the heterogeneous nucleation center and carbide on the outer surface of the carbonitride.As the cooling rate increases,the number density of composite inclusions first increases and then decreases,which is closely related to the elemental segregation behavior.

Effect of Cooling Rates on Solidification Microstructures and Tensile Property of a Novel Wrought Superalloy

The effects of cooling rates on solidification behaviors,segregation characteristics and tensile property of GH4151 alloy were investigated using microstructure characterization and tensile test.Firstly,a relationship between the secondary dendrite arm spacing and cooling rate was determined and it was confirmed to be valid.Secondly,it can be found from microstructure observations that the morphology of(Nb,Ti)C carbides transits from blocky and script type to fine script type and spotty type,and the refinedγ'phase was observed due to decrease of segregation with increasing cooling rates.Thirdly,the solidification microstructures of the industrial-scale samples were analyzed.The morphology ofηphase changes from indistinguishable shape,fine needle-like shape to large block-like shape with increasing ingot diameter.As a result,the mechanical properties of alloy decrease due to increase of brittle precipitations.The experimental results show that the precipitation behavior of GH4151 is affected by segregation degree of elements,and the segregation degree is determined by solute distribution process and solid back-diffusion process.

On establishment of novel constitutive model for directionally solidified nickel-based superalloys utilizing machine learning methods

To enhance the accuracy of mechanical simulation in the directional solidification process of turbine blades for heavy-duty gas turbines,a new constitutive model that employs machine learning methods was developed.This model incorporates incremental learning and transfer learning,thus improves the predictive accuracy and generalization performance.To account for the anisotropy of the directionally solidified alloy,a deformation direction parameter is added to the model,enabling prediction of the stress-strain relationship of the alloy under different deformation directions.The predictive capabilities of both models are evaluated using correlation coefficient(R),average relative error(δ),and value of relative error(RE).Compared to the traditional model,the machine learning constitutive model achieves higher prediction accuracy and better generalization performance.This offers a new approach for the establishment of flow constitutive models for other directionally solidified and single-crystal superalloys.

Influence of heat treatments on incipient melting structures of DD5 nickel-based single crystal superalloy

The evolution of microstructure and formation mechanism of incipient melting microstructure of DD5 single crystal superalloy during solution heat treatment were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),electron probe microanalysis(EPMA),and energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS).The solidus and liquidus of single crystal alloy were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).Results show that the mosaic-like eutectic and fan-like eutectic are dissolved at first,and the coarseγ'phase is dissolved later during the solution heat treatment of 1,390°C/2 h+1,310°C/4 h+1,320°C/10 h+air cooling(AC).The composition segregations of Al,Ta,W and Re are 0.99,0.96,1.04 and 1.16,respectively,which close to 1.The incipient melting is caused by the low local temperature of the alloy,and the micropore region with a lower melting point is the preferred position for incipient melting.

Effect of Ta on solidification characteristics and mechanical properties of DZ411 Ni-based superalloy

The effects of Ta content(2.72wt.%,3.10wt.%and 4.00wt.%)on the solidification characteristics and mechanical properties of directionally solidified DZ411 Ni-based superalloys were investigated.It is found that the content of Mo decreases with the increase of Ta in liquid phase after directional solidification,indicating the addition of Ta can reduce the element segregation in alloys.The primary and secondary dendrite arm spacings(PDAS and SDAS)of the DZ411 alloy increase with the addition of Ta,which are consistent with the models by Hunt and Wagner.The increase of PDAS and SDAS can provide enough space for the growth of tertiary dendrite arms,which hinders the growth of unfavorably oriented primary dendrites.As a result,the addition of Ta facilitates the growth of favorably oriented dendrites.More MC carbides andγ-γ'eutectics are formed in the interdendritic regions,which is attributed to the segregation of Ta in the liquid phase.Furthermore,the degree of supersaturation of W,Mo inγmatrix increases with the increase of Ta,thus,the addition of Ta promotes the formation of TCP phase.The addition of Ta also increases the microhardness in both the primary dendrite and interdendritic regions of the alloy,and the microhardness of the primary dendrite is closer to that in interdendritic regions with the increase of Ta.

Dual-System Activation of Ni-Base Superalloy under High Strain and High Temperature

Due to their superior combination of heat resistance, high temperature corrosion resistance, toughness and strength, nickel-based superalloys have become of extensive use in the aerospace industry. This research aims to explain why the fatigue life of Inconel-718 in preconditioned samples had larger fatigue lives than pristine samples. The hypothesis is that preconditioning at 700°C and 1.0% strain could lead to thermal activation of the {100} cubic slip plane alongside the {111} octahedral slip plane, potentially improving fatigue life. Using SEM and EBSD imaging, the microstructure of Inconel-718 samples were characterized before and after preconditioning. The directions of the slip bands that formed following the preconditioning were determined. The result was that the existence of both the cubic and octahedral slip systems was confirmed, leading to the thermal activation hypothesized. The existence of both slip planes was considered to be the reason behind the improved fatigue life due to better strain accommodation within the microstructure. It is suggested that focuses for future research includes conducting in-situ observation of slip activation and the application of preconditioning as a manufacturing method.

PROPERTIES, WELDABILITY AND APPLICATIONS OF ADVANCED WROUGHT SUPERALLOYS FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES

Alloy selection and alloy design both require consideration of an array of material attributes, including in-service properties, weldability and fabricability. Critical properties of advanced wrought superalloys for gas turbine applications include high temperature strength, thermal stability, oxidation resistance and fatigue resistance. In this paper, the properties of twelve wrought solid-solution-strengthened and six age-hardenable superalloys are compared. Weldability is an important attribute and can be a major limiting factor in the use of certain alloys. Weldability test methods are discussed and the resistance of alloys to solidification cracking and strain-age cracking is compared. The use of weldability testing in the development of modern wrought su-peralloys is discussed with several examples cited. Finally, alloy selection for gas turbine components is outlined, taking into account both alloy properties and fabricability.

THE ROLE OF NIOBIUM IN NICKEL-BASED SUPERALLOYS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PM ALLOY EP741NP

The role of niobium in nickel-based superalloys is reviewed. The importance of niobium as a strengthener is discussed. New developments in nickel-based superalloys are also briefly mentioned, including some results that show improved resistance to sulfidation by niobium. Research results from a current program on the role of niobium in the Russian powder metallurgy alloy EP741NP are presented. Future research plans on the role of niobium in superalloys are also discussed.