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.

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℃.

Creep feed grinding induced gradient microstructures in the superficial layer of turbine blade root of single crystal nickel-based superalloy

The service performance of the turbine blade root of an aero-engine depends on the microstructures in its superficial layer.This work investigated the surface deformation structures of turbine blade root of single crystal nickel-based superalloy produced under different creep feed grinding conditions.Gradient microstructures in the superficial layer were clarified and composed of a severely deformed layer(DFL)with nano-sized grains(48–67 nm)at the topmost surface,a DFL with submicron-sized grains(66–158 nm)and micron-sized laminated structures at the subsurface,and a dislocation accumulated layer extending to the bulk material.The formation of such gradient microstructures was found to be related to the graded variations in the plastic strain and strain rate induced in the creep feed grinding process,which were as high as 6.67 and 8.17×10^(7)s^(−1),respectively.In the current study,the evolution of surface gradient microstructures was essentially a transition process from a coarse single crystal to nano-sized grains and,simultaneously,from one orientation of a single crystal to random orientations of polycrystals,during which the dislocation slips dominated the creep feed grinding induced microstructure deformation of single crystal nickel-based superalloy.

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.

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.

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.

Simulation of stray grain formation at the platform during Ni-base single crystal superalloy DD403 casting

The mechanism of stray grain formation at the platform of turbine blade simulator and the effect of withdrawal rate(V) on the stray grain phenomenon have been investigated using a macro-scale Pro CAST coupled with a 3D Cellular Automaton Finite Element(CAFE) model. The results indicate that the stray grains nucleate at the edges of platform at V =150 μm·s^(-1) and 200 μm·s^(-1). Using Pro CAST computer simulation software, it was proven that the stray grain formation is signifi cantly dependent on the undercooling and the temperature fi eld distribution in the platform. The macroscopic curvature of the liquidus isotherm becomes markedly concave with an increase in the withdrawal rate. The probability of stray grain formation at the edges of platform can be increased by increasing the withdrawal rate in the range of 70 μm·s^(-1) to 200 μm·s^(-1).

Domain knowledge discovery from abstracts of scientific literature on Nickel-based single crystal superalloys

Despite the huge accumulation of scientific literature,it is inefficient and laborious to manually search it for useful information to investigate structure-activity relationships.Here,we propose an efficient text-mining framework for the discovery of credible and valuable domain knowledge from abstracts of scientific literature focusing on Nickel-based single crystal superalloys.Firstly,the credibility of abstracts is quantified in terms of source timeliness,publication authority and author’s academic standing.Next,eight entity types and domain dictionaries describing Nickel-based single crystal superalloys are predefined to realize the named entity recognition from the abstracts,achieving an accuracy of 85.10%.Thirdly,by formulating 12 naming rules for the alloy brands derived from the recognized entities,we extract the target entities and refine them as domain knowledge through the credibility analysis.Following this,we also map out the academic cooperative“Author-Literature-Institute”network,characterize the generations of Nickel-based single crystal superalloys,as well as obtain the fractions of the most important chemical elements in superalloys.The extracted rich and diverse knowledge of Nickel-based single crystal superalloys provides important insights toward understanding the structure-activity relationships for Nickel-based single crystal superalloys and is expected to accelerate the design and discovery of novel superalloys.

Aging process design based on the morphological evolution ofγprecipitates in a 4th generation nickel-based single crystal superalloy

In order to meet the design requirements of the aging treatment process of a 4th generation nickel-based single crystal superalloy(Ni-SX)developed independently,the effects of aging temperatures and aging times on the precipitation and morphological evolution ofγprecipitates are studied.The morphological evolution behavior ofγprecipitates during the aging process is summarized subsequently and the coarsening behavior ofγprecipitates is discussed by comparing with the Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner model(LSW)and the trans-interface diffusion-controlled model(TIDC).It is demonstrated that primary aging temperature and secondary aging time dominate the size and squareness ofγprecipitates respectively,a narrow primary aging temperature range and a suitable secondary aging time are allowed to obtain the optimized morphology ofγprecipitates.The optimal aging process of the Ni-SX investigated in the present work is obtained for 1100-1120°C/4 h and 870°C/16 h,confirmed by the corresponding creep tests.The coarsening growth ofγprecipitates in short-term aging also conforms to the LSW model well.Besides,the aging process design rules of various Ni-SXs of different generations are also summarized.

Micro Defects Evolution of Nickel-Based Single Crystal Superalloys during Shear Deformation:A Molecular Dynamics Study

Nickel-based single crystal superalloys have become the main structural materials of the aero-engines due to excellent high-temperature strength.The micro defects evolution of nickel-based single crystal superalloys under shear deformation was investigated by molecular dynamics(MD)simulations in the present study.It is found that the interfacial dislocations decompose into Shockley dislocations under low shear stress,resulting in the plastic deformation of the Ni phase.The initial plastic deformation of the Ni3Al phase is caused by Shockley dislocations cutting into the Ni3Al phase.The following deformation from low temperature to medium temperature is controlled by dislocation slip,but the deformation at high temperature is changed.It is also found that the microvoid evolution can be divided into void growth and coalescence during shear deformation.The microvoid could prevent dislocation entanglement,accelerate dislocation decomposition,and promote earlier plastic deformation under relatively low temperatures.

Inconsistent creep between dendrite core and interdendritic region under different degrees of elemental inhomogeneity in nickel-based single crystal superalloys

The creep inconsistency between dendrite core and interdendritic region is investigated in a nickel-based single crystal superalloy under 1373 K and 137 MPa.Two specimens with higher and lower degree of elemental inhomogeneity on dendritic structures are compared.For specimen with higher inhomogeneity,stronger segregation of refractory elements reinforces the local strength in dendrite core,but damages the strength in interdendritic region.Creep strain is accumulated faster in interdendritic region giving rise to promoted dislocation shearing inγphase,faster degradation of dislocation networks and facilitated topological inversion of rated structures.Although the segregation of refractory elements produces a high density of topologically close-packed(TCP)phase in dendrite core,faster accumulation of creep strain forms microcracks prior in interdendritic region that gives rise to final rupture of the specimen.In another specimen,increased solid solution time gives rise to overall reduced inhomogeneity.Creep inconsistency is relieved to show more uniform evolution of dislocation substructures and rafting between dendrite core and interdendritic region.The second specimen is ruptured by formation and extension of microcracks along TCP phase although the precipitation of TCP phase is relatively restricted under reduced inhomogeneity.Importantly,the balance of local strength between dendrite core and interdendritic region results in over 40%increase of creep rupture life of the second specimen.

Stress-controlled LCF experiments and ratcheting behaviour simulation of a nickel-based single crystal superalloy with [001] orientation

Uniaxial ratcheting behaviour and low cycle fatigue(LCF)failure mechanism of nickel-based single crystal superalloy DD6 with[001]orientation are investigated through the stresscontrolled LCF tests with stress ratio of-1.Then the deformation behaviour during the wholelifetime from the beginning of the experiment to the fracture of the specimen,as well as the fractographic/metallographic morphology,are compared with the strain-controlled LCF experimental results.Through the scanning electron microscope(SEM)observations,it is shown that the failure characteristics under stress-controlled LCF loading are similar with those under strain-controlled loading.Nevertheless,unlike strain-controlled LCF loading,even under fully reversed cycle loading for stress-controlled LCF,DD6 shows significant ratcheting behaviour due to the tensioncompression asymmetry.In addition,the LCF lifetimes under stress control are significantly shorter than the LCF lifetimes under strain control,and the culprit might be the detrimental effect of ratcheting strain on LCF lifetime.Based on these phenomena,an improved crystal plasticity constitutive model on the basis of slip-based Walker constitutive model is developed through modifying the kinematic hardening rule in order to overcome the inaccurate prediction of decelerating stageand stable stage of ratcheting behaviour.Furthermore,combining the continuum damage mechanics,a damage-coupled crystal plasticity constitutive model is proposed to reflect the damage behaviour of DD6 and the accelerating stage of ratcheting behaviour.The simulation results for the stress-controlled LCF deformation behaviour including the whole-lifetime ratcheting behaviour show good agreement with the experimental data.

Influence of Temperature on Stacking Fault Energy and Creep Mechanism of a Single Crystal Nickel-based Superalloy

The influence of temperatures on the stacking fault energies and deformation mechanism of a Re- containing single crystal nickel-based superalloy during creep at elevated temperatures was investigated by means of calculating the stacking fault energy of alloy, measuring creep properties and performing contrast analysis of dislocation configuration. The results show that the alloy at 760 ℃ possesses lower stacking fault energy, and the stacking fault of alloy increases with increasing temperature. The defor- mation mechanism of alloy during creep at 760 ℃ is 7＇ phase sheared by 〈110〉 super-dislocations, which may be decomposed to form the configuration of Shockley partials plus super-lattice intrinsic stacking fault, while the deformation mechanism of alloy during creep at 1070 ℃ is the screw or edge super- dislocations shearing into the rafted 7＇ phase. But during creep at 7（50 and 980 ℃, some super- dislocations shearing into 7＇ phase may cross-slip from the {111} to {100} planes to form the K-W locks with non-plane core structure, which may restrain the dislocations slipping to enhance the creep resis- tance of alloy at high temperature. The interaction between the Re and other elements may decrease the diffusion rate of atoms to improve the microstructure stability, which is thought to be the main reason why the K-W locks are to be kept in the Re-containing superalloy during creep at 980 ℃.

Review on Additive Manufacturing of Single-Crystal Nickel-based Superalloys

The conventional fabrication process for single-crystal nickel-based superalloy materials is directional solidifica-tion,which is classified as casting.With the rapid development of additive manufacturing(AM)technologies,a novel process for fabricating single-crystal superalloys has become possible.This article reviews recent research on the AM of single-crystal nickel-based superalloys.Laser AM technologies,particularly directed energy deposition,are mainly used to repair single-crystal materials.Electron beam powder bed fusion is an innovative method for the direct fabrication of single-crystal materials.Accordingly,the mechanisms of single-crystal formation during AM are analyzed to elucidate the potential of this process route.Furthermore,this article discusses the challenges faced by AM for single-crystal fabrication,and provides perspectives on the trends of future developments.

A review of composition evolution in Ni-based single crystal superalloys

Due to the outstanding creep performance, nickel-based single crystal superalloys(Ni-SXs) are extensively applied in modern aero-engine and industrial gas turbine. Apart from the special single crystal structure which is disadvantageous to extension of creep cracks, Ni-SXs derive the creep strength from intrinsic two-phase microstructure(γ phase and γ’ phase). Main microstructural parameters including volume fraction of γ’ phase and the lattice misfit, and the formation and distribution of precipitated phase are determined by the compositions of alloys. Besides, the creep properties are greatly influenced by these microstructural parameters and precipitated phase. This review has summarized the relationships between different alloying elements and microstructures and indicated their influence on creep properties of Ni-SXs. In addition, with the improvements of experimental methods and characterization technique, some recent discoveries have provided additional evidence to support or challenge the pervious creep theories of superalloys. In view of these new discoveries, this review has provided some perspectives which can be referenced in future compositional design of Ni-SXs.

Grinding force and surface quality in creep feed profile grinding of turbine blade root of nickel-based superalloy with microcrystalline alumina abrasive wheels

Creep feed profile grinding of the fir-tree blade root forms of single crystal nickel-based superalloy was conducted using microcrystalline alumina abrasive wheels in the present study. The grinding force and the surface quality in terms of surface topography, subsurface microstructure,microhardness and residual stress obtained under different grinding conditions were evaluated comparatively. Experimental results indicated that the grinding force was influenced significantly by the competing predominance between the grinding parameters and the cross-sectional root workpiece profile. In addition, the root workpiece surface, including the root peak and valley regions, was produced with the large difference in surface quality due to the nonuniform grinding loads along the root workpiece profile in normal section. Detailed results showed that the surface roughness, subsurface plastic deformation and work hardening level of the root valley region were higher by up to25%, 20% and 7% in average than those obtained in the root peak region, respectively, in the current investigation. Finally, the superior parameters were recommended in the creep feed profile grinding of the fir-tree blade root forms. This study is helpful to provide industry guidance to optimize the machining process for the high-valued parts with complicated profiles.

Prediction of Primary Dendrite Arm Spacing in Pulsed Laser Surface Melted Single Crystal Superalloy

Primary dendritic arm spacing(PDAS)is an important microstructure feature of the nickel-base single crystal superalloys.In this paper,a numerical model predicting the PDAS evolution with additive manufacturing parameters using pulsed laser is established,which combines the theoretical PDAS models with the temperature field calculation model during pulsed laser process.Based on this model,processing maps that related process parameters to the evolution of PDAS are generated.To obtain more accurate prediction model,the parameters of different solidification conditions,G^(-0.5)V^(-0.25) and G^(-0.5)V^(-0.25),are selected to calculate PDAS.The simulation results show that the PDAS increases as the arise of P and t.The processmgPDAS map can accurately predict the evolution of PDAS with pulsed laser process parameters,which is well in accordance with the experimental results.Additionally,the PDAS values calculated by the G^(-0.5)V^(-0.25) are more in line with the experimental results than those calculated by the G^(-0.5)V^(-0.25).