An anisotropic micromechanics model for predicting the rafting direction in Ni-based single crystal superalloys

An anisotropic micromechanics model based on the equivalent inclusion method is developed to investigate the rafting direction of Ni-based single crystal superalloys. The micromechanical model considers actual cubic structure and orthogonal anisotropy properties. The von Mises stress, elastic strain energy density, and hydrostatic pressure in dif- ferent inclusions of micromechanical model are calculated when applying a tensile or compressive loading along the [001] direction. The calculated results can successfully pre- dict the rafting direction for alloys exhibiting a positive or a negative mismatch, which are in agreement with pervious experimental and theoretical studies. Moreover, the elastic constant differences and mismatch degree of the matrix and precipitate phases and their influences on the rafting direction are carefully discussed.

The ternary Ni–Al–Co embedded-atom-method potential for γ/γ Ni-based single-crystal superalloys: Construction and application

An Ni-AI-Co system embedded-atom-method potential is constructed for the γ（Ni）/γ＇（Ni3A1） superalloy based on experiments and first-principles calculations. The stacking fault energies （SFEs） of the Ni（Co, A1） random solid solutions are calculated as a function of the concentrations of Co and A1. The calculated SFEs decrease with increasing concentrations of Co and A1, which is consistent with the experimental results. The embedding energy term in the present potential has an important influence on the SFEs of the random solid solutions. The cross-slip processes of a screw dislocation in homogenous Ni（Co） solid solutions are simulated using the present potential and the nudged elastic band method. The cross-slip activation energies increase with increasing Co concentration, which implies that the creep resistance of γ（Ni） may be improved by the addition of Co.

MICROMECHANICS OF THE DAMAGE-INDUCED CELLULAR MICROSTRUCTURE IN SINGLE CRYSTAL Ni-BASED SUPERALLOYS

An analytical method to investigate the morphological evolution of the cellular mi-crostructure is explored and proposed. The method is essentially based on the Es-helby 's micromechanics theory, and it is extended so as to be applied for a material system containing inclusions with high volume fraction, by employing the average stress field approximation by Mori and Tanaka. The proposed method enables us to discuss a stable shape of precipitate in the material system, which must be influenced by many factors: e.g., volume fraction of precipitate; Young's modulus ratio and lattice misfit between matrix and precipitate; external stress field in multiaxial state; and heterogeneity of plastic strain between matrix and precipitate. A series of numerical calculations were summarized on stable shape maps. The application of the method to predict the γ' rafting in superalloys during creep showed that the heterogeneity of plastic strain between matrix and precipitates may play a significant role in the shape stability of the precipitate. Furthermore, it was shown that the method was successfully applied to estimate the morphology of the cellular microstructure formed in CMSX-4 single crystal Ni-based superalloy.

Effect of solidification parameters on the microstructures of a single crystal Ni-based superalloy AM3

A single crystal Ni-based superalloy AM3 was processed at withdraw rates of 3.5, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μm·s-1, respectively.The as-cast microstructures and solidification segregation ratio were characterized with various withdraw rates.The shape and size of carbide microstructures were determined.As expected, the primary and secondary dendrite arm spacings (PDAS and SDAS) decrease with the increase of withdraw rate.The highest volume fraction of eutectic γ/γ' is observed at the 100 μm·s-1 withdraw rate.The volume fraction of eutectic γ/γ' does not appear to be a strong function of the withdraw rate.With increasing withdraw rate, interface morphologies change in the sequence of planar, cellular, and dendrite.There is a general refinement of the microstructure as the withdraw rate increases.EPMA analysis showed that withdraw rate does not have obvious influence on the segregation of elements.

Structural Dependence of Creep/Fatigue Behaviour of Single Crystal Ni-base Superalloy

The effect of different initial microstructures deftned by γ' precipitate morphology has been investigated at the creep/fatigue conditions of 900℃ and 500 MPa. The wave form of stress as a function of time for cyclic load was of trapezoidal shape with a hold time of 10s at the upper stress level. The TEM was employed to examine the deformation process in strengthened γ' matrix in dependence of γ' precipitate morphology. The fracture lifetime and cycle number up to fracture were the criteria to evaluate the additional cyclic component efFect on the course of deformation

Influence of Pre-Compressive Creep on Internal Friction Stress and Creep Parameters of Nickel-Base Single Crystal Superalloys

By means of pre-compressive creep treatment, the cubic γ′ phase in a nickel base single crystal superalloy is transformed into the P-type rafted structure. And the influence of the pre-compressive creep on the internal friction stress and creep lifetimes of the superalloy are investigated by means of the measurement of the creep curves and microstructure observation. Results show that, compared to the P-type structure alloy, the full heat treated state alloy displays a bigger internal friction stress value of dislocation motion during steady state creep and a longer creep lifetimes. The creep activation energies of the full heat treated and P-type structures alloys are measured to be 462 kJ/mol and 412 kJ/mol, respectively. Thereinto, the P-type rafted γ′ phase in the alloy is transformed into the N-type structure during tensile creep. And the N-type γ′ phase transformed from the P-type structure displays a shorter size in length, this is a main reason of the P-type structure alloy possessing a shorter creep lifetimes due to creep dislocation moving easily over the rafted γ′ phase.

Molecular dynamics study of mosaic structure in the Ni-based single-crystal superalloy

The mosaic structure in a Ni-based single-crystal superalloy is simulated by molecular dynamics using a potential employed in a modified analytic embedded atom method. From the calculated results we find that a closed threedimensional misfit dislocation network, with index of （011）{100} and the side length of the mesh 89.6A, is formed around a cuboidal γ′ precipitate. Comparing the simulation results of the different mosaic models, we find that the side length of the mesh only depends on the lattice parameters of the γ and γ′ phases as well as the γ/γ′ interface direction, but is independent of the size and number of the cuboidal γ′ precipitate. The density of dislocations is inversely proportional to the size of the cuboidal γ′ precipitate, i.e. the amount of the dislocation is proportional to the total area of the γ/γ′ interface, which may be used to explain the relation between the amount of the fine γ′ particles and the creep rupture life of the superalloy. In addition, the closed three-dimensional networks assembled with the misfit dislocations can play a significant role in improving the mechanical properties of superalloys.

Temperature dependence of deformation mechanism in single crystal Ni-base superalloy

The tensile behavior of a new single crystal Ni-base superalloy was studied at various temperatures. Specimens were strained to fracture in the temperature range from 20℃ to 1000℃. σ0.2 is essentially unaffected by temperatures between 20℃ and 400℃. At higher temperatures it increases until it reaches a maximum at about 800℃. Beyond 800℃ a sharp decrease of strength is observed. There is a slight fluctuation in ductility between 20℃ and 800℃. The elongation to fracture increases from 10% to 36% as the temperature increases from 800℃ to 1000℃. The deformation is dominated by γ′ shearing and the high-density dislocations are observed in matrix channels at low temperatures. The dislocation microstructure is inhomogeneous due to the formation of dislocation concentrations with high-density tangling at intermediate temperatures. The networks deposited at the γ/γ′ interfaces prevent dislocations from entering the γ′ precipitates at high temperatures.

NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE NOTCH EFFECT ON THE CREEP BEHAVIOR AND LIFE OF NICKEL-BASE SINGLE CRYSTAL SUPERALLOYS

Numerical calculations of creep damage development and life behavior of circular notched specimens of nickel-base single crystal had been performed. The creep stress distributions depend on the specimen geometry. For a small notch radius, von Mises stress has an especial distribution. The damage distribution is greatly influenced by the notch depth, notch radius as well as notch type. The creep crack initiation place is different for each notched specimen. The characteristics of notch strengthening and notch weakening depend on the notch radius and notch type. For the same notch type, the creep rupture lives decrease with the decreasing of notch radius. A creep life model has been presented for the multiaxial stress states based on the crystallographic slip system theory.

MC CARBIDE FLOATATION IN A HOT CORROSION RESISTANT SINGLE CRYSTAL Ni-BASE SUPERALLOY DURING DIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION

The floating phenomenon of MC carbide(TiC)in a hot corrosion resistant single crystal Ni-base superalloy was observed during planar and cellular interface directional solidification.The explanation about the phenomenon is presented.

Influence of microstructure stability on creep properties of single crystal nickel base superalloys

The influence of microstructure stability on the creep properties of single crystal nickel-based superalloys was investigated by means of the measurement of the creep curves and microstructure observation. Results show that the superalloy with 4%(mass fraction)W in Ni-Al-Cr-Ta-Co-5.5%Mo-x%W systems displays a better microstructure stability, but theμphase is precipitated in the superalloy with 6% W during aging. The strip-likeμphase is precipitated to be parallel or perpendicular to each other along the <110> orientation, and grown into the slice-like morphology along the {111} planes. The superalloy with 4%W displays a better creep rupture lifetime under the applied stress of 200 MPa at 982℃, but the creep lifetime of alloy is obviously decreased with the increase of the element W content up to 6%. The fact that theμphase is precipitated in the superalloy with 6% W during applied stress and unstress aging results in the appearance of the poor regions for the refractory elements. This is one of the main reasons for reducing the creep rupture lifetime of the superalloy.

Kinetics and microstructural evolution during recrystallization of a Ni_3Al-based single crystal superalloy

The recrystallization kinetics and microstructural evolution of a Ni3Al-based single crystal superalloy were presented, especially the different recrystallization behaviors between the dendrite arm and the interdendritic region. The single crystal alloy was deformed by grit blasting. A succeeding annealing under inert atmosphere at 1280 ℃ for different time led to the formation of recrystallized grains close to the grit blasting surface. It was found that the recrystallization depth and velocity in the dendrite arm were respectively deeper and faster than those in the interdendritic region where the Y-NiMo phase existed. The recrystallization process in the interdendritic region was significantly inhibited by the Y-NiMo precipitates. However, the pinning effect gradually weakened with the annealing time due to the dissolution of the Y-NiMo phase, and the recrystallization depth in the dendrite arm was deeper than that in the interdendritic region.

Surface recrystallization of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy

The recrystallization behavior of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy was investigated by shot peening and subsequent annealing. Two kinds of recrystallization microstructures, which are intensively dependent on the annealing temperature, are shown in the nickel-base superalloy after shot peening and subsequent annealing. Surface recrystallized grains are obtained when the superalloy is annealed at solution treatment temperature. The nucleation of recrystallization originates from the dendritic core, where rapid dissolution of γ＇ particles occurs. Cellular recrystallization is observed after annealing at lower temperatures. Cellular structures induced by high diffusivity of the moving boundary and more γ＇ particles dissolution led by residual stress are developed from the surface region. Recrystallized kinetics of the shot-peened alloy annealed at 1050°C accords with the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov equation. The low Avrami exponent is caused by the inhomogeneous distribution of stored energy, the decreasing of stored energy during recovery, and the strong resistance of boundary migration by γ＇ particles.

Surface recrystallization of a Ni_3Al based single crystal superalloy at different annealing temperatures and blasting pressure

The effects of annealing temperature and grit blasting pressure on the recrystallization behavior of a Ni3Al based single crystal superalloy were studied in this work. The results show that the precipitation of the Y-NiMo phase occurs at 900 and 1000 °C, which precedes recrystallization. The initial recrystallization temperature was between 1000 and 1100 °C. Cellular recrystallization was formed at 1100 and 1200 °C, which consisted of large columnar γ′ and fine γ + γ′. The dendrite arm closed to the interdendritic region may act as nucleation sites during initial recrystallization by a particle simulated nucleation mechanism at 1280 °C. The size of the grains first turned large and then became small upon the pressure while the recrystallization depth increased all the time.

TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON LOW-CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOR OF NICKEL-BASED SINGLE CRYSTALLINE SUPERALLOY

The low-cycle fatigue （LCF） behavior of a nickel-based single crystal superalloy with [001] orientation was studied at an intermediate temperature of T0℃ and a higher temperature of To ＋ 250℃ under a constant low strain rate of 10^-3 s^-1 in ambient atmosphere. The superalloy exhibited cyclic tension-compression asymmetry which is dependent on the temperature and applied strain amplitude. Analysis on the fracture surfaces showed that the surface and subsurface casting micropores were the major crack initiation sites. Interior Ta-rich carbides were frequently observed in all specimens. Two distinct types of fracture were suggested by fractogaphy. One type was characterized by Mode-I cracking with a microscopically rough surface at To ＋ 250℃. Whereas the other type at lower temperature T0℃ favored either one or several of the octahedral {111} planes, in contrast to the normal Mode-I growth mode typically observed at low loading frequencies （several Hz）. The failure mechanisms for two cracking modes are shearing of γ＇ precipitates together with the matrix at T0℃ and cracking confined in the matrix and the γ/γ＇interface at To - 250℃.

Influence of Co, W and Ti on the Stress-rupture Lives of a Single Crystal Nickel-base Superalloy

The influence of Co, W and Ti on stress-rupture lives of a Ni-Cr-AI-Mo-Ta-Co-W-Ti single crystal nickel-base superalloy has been investigated using a L9 （34） orthogonal array design （OAD） by statistical analysis. At a selected composition range, Ti content was the most important factor to the effect of the stress-rupture lives and then followed by Co content. W content had the minimum effect on stress-rupture lives. The optimal alloy should contain 10 wt pct Co, 8 wt pct W and zero Ti. The optimized alloy also had good microstructural stability during thermal exposure at 870℃ for 500 h.

A CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC MODEL FOR THE ORIENTATION DEPENDENCE OF LOW CYCLIC FATIGUE PROPERTY OF A NICKEL-BASE SINGLE CRYSTAL SUPERALLOY

Fully reversed low cyclic fatigue (LCF) tests were conducted on [0 0 1], [0 1 2], [(1) over bar 1 2], [0 1 1] and [(1) over bar 1 4] oriented single crystals of nickel-bared superalloy DD3 with different cyclic strain rates at 950 degrees C. The cyclic strain rates were chosen as 1.0 x 10(-2), 1.33 x 10(-3) and 0.33 x 10(-3) s(-1). The octahedral slip systems were confirmed to be activated on all the specimens. The experimental result shows that the fatigue behavior depends an the crystallographic orientation and cyclic strain rate. Except [0 0 1] orientation specimens, it is found from the scanning electron microscopy(SEM) examination that there are typical fatigue striations on the fracture surfaces. These fatigue striations are made up of cracks. The width of the fatigue striations depends on the crystallographic orientation and varies with the total strain range. A simple linear relationship exists between the width and total shear strain range modified by an orientation and strain rate parameter. The nonconformity to the Schmid law of tensile/compressive flaw stress and plastic behavior existed at 95 degrees C, and an orientation and strain rate modified Lall-Chin-Pope ( LCP) model was derived for the nonconformity. The influence of crysrallographic orientation and cyclic strain rate on the LCF behavior can be predicted satisfactorily by the model. In terms of an orientation and strain rate modified total strain range, a model for fatigue life was proposed and used successfully to correlate the fatigue lives studied.

Life Prediction Model for a Nickel-base Single Crystal Superalloy DD3

The possibility of a life prediction model for nickel base single crystal blades has been studied. The fatigue creep (FC) and thermal fatigue creep(TMFC) as well as creep experiments have been carried out with different hold time of DD3. The hold time and the frequency as well as the temperature range are the main factors influencing the life. An emphasis has been put on the micro mechanism of the rupture of creep, FC and TMFC. Two main factors are the voiding and degeneration of the material for the cre...

High temperature creep-rupture features of nickel-base single crystal superalloy

The creep and rupture behavior of a nickel-base single crystal superalloy with [001] orientation was investigated at temperature of 10001040℃ and stress in the range of 150320MPa. The creep features and microstructure were studied by means of the measurement of creep curves and TEM observation. The results show that all creep curves exhibit a short primary and a dominant accelerated creep stage. From the creep parameters and TEM observations, it is suggested that the primary deformation mechanism has a change from precipitatation shearing by pairs of dislocation in the high applied stress region to dislocations climb around the γ′ particles in the low applied stress region. Furthermore, the detailed failure process and fracture surfaces were analyzed by SEM observation.

Antiphase Boundary Strengthening in a Single Crystal Nickel-base Superalloy

An investigation has been made into strengthening mechanism in a single crystal nickel-base superalloy DD8 by transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the stress rupture strength of the alloy increases with decreasing misfit, and the antiphase boundaries (APBs) formed in the ordered γ' phase, rather than the misfits, play a dominate role in strengthening of the single crystal Ni-base superalloy DD8.There are three kinds of mechanisms for forming the APBs which were observed in the present materials. One is mis-arrangement of the local ordered atoms in the γ' precipitates due to the local strain; the second arises from the 1/2<110> dislocations cutting into the γ', and the third is the formation of the APBs induced by the 1/2<110> matrix dislocation network. The contribution of the antiphase boundary energy to the strength of the alloy can be expressed by:where τ is the resistance to deformation provided by the APB energy; S is the long-range order degree in γ'; Tc is the transition temperature from order to disorder; f is the volume fraction of γ'; rs is the radius of γ'; b is the Burgers vector; a is the lattice constant; G is the shear modulus, and k is the proportional constant.