Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “SUPERALLOY”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 397 records · Page 22

Fiber reinforced superalloys

Improved performance of heat engines is largely dependent upon maximum cycle temperatures. Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys (TFRS) are the first of a family of high temperature composites that offer the potential for significantly raising hot component operating temperatures and thus leading to improved heat engine performance. This status review of TFRS research emphasizes the promising property data developed to date, the status of TFRS composite airfoil fabrication technology, and the areas requiring more attention to assure their applicability to hot section components of aircraft gas turbine engines.

Petrasek, Donald W.↗

Dentritic morphology and microsegregation in directionally solidified superalloy, PWA-1480, single crystal: Effect of gravity; center director's discretionary fund report

Primary dendrite spacings, secondary dendrite spacings, and microsegregation have been examined in PWA-1480 single crystal specimens which were directionally solidified during parabolic maneuvers on the KC-135 aircraft. Experimentally observed growth rate and thermal gradient dependence of primary dendrite spacings are in good agreement with predictions from dendrite growth models for binary alloys. Secondary dendrite coarsening kinetics show a reasonable fit with the predictions from an analytical model proposed by Kirkwood for a binary alloy. The partition coefficients of tantalum, titanium, and aluminum are observed to be less than unity, while that for tungsten and cobalt are greater than unity. This is qualitatively similar to the nickel base binaries. Microsegregation profiles experimentally observed for PWA-1480 superalloy show a good fit with Bower, Brody, and Flemings model developed for binary alloys. Transitions in gravity levels do not appear to affect primary dendrite spacings. A trend of decreased secondary arm spacings with transition from high gravity to the low gravity period was observed at a growth speed of 0.023 cm s(exp -1). However, definite conclusions can only be drawn by experiments at lower growth speeds which make it possible to examine the side-branch coarsening kinetics over a longer duration. Such experiments, not possible due to the insufficient low-gravity time of the KC-135, may be carried out in the low-gravity environment of space.

Tewari, S. N.↗

Fatigue behavior of a single-crystal superalloy

A single-crystal superalloy, PWA 1480 is under consideration as a replacement material for the turbine blades of the high pressure fuel turbopump (HPFTP) of the space shuttle main engine (SSME). Three separate experimental programs were conducted to characterize the fatigue behavior of this alloy. Fatigue tests were conducted at room temperature (in air) and at 1000 F (in vacuum) on smooth specimens machined from both cast bars and slabs. The data from all of these programs are consolidated to provide a broader characterization of the fatigue behavior of the single crystal PWA 1480. The zero-mean-stress fatigue relationships are expressed in terms of stress range versus cyclic life lines on log-log plots. Characterization of the fatigue behavior of (001) oriented PWA 1480 single crystal under conditions of tensile mean stress was performed by using the unified approach proposed by Heidmann. In this approach the fatigue life is modified by a mean stress parameter so that a single life relationship can be used to represent both zero and tensile mean stress data.

Kalluri, Sreeramesh↗

Fatigue-resistant nickel-base superalloys

New γ' strengthened nickel-base superalloy compositions are described that, when forged and properly heat treated, demonstrate superior resistance to fatigue crack growth accompanied by very good high temperature properties. Parts can be fabricated (e.g., using conventional cast and wrought processing) from these alloys without encountering difficulty in forging.

Keh-Minn Chang↗

Fracture of single crystals of the nickel-base superalloy PWA 1480E in helium at 22 C

The fracture behavior and deformation of He-charged (at 22 C) single crystals of PWA 1480E Ni-base superalloy were investigated using SEM and TEM techniques to observe the behavior of tensile fractures in notched single crystals with seven different crystal growth orientations: 100-line, 110-line, 111-line, 013-line, 112-line, 123-line, and 223-line. To identify the cleavage plane orientation, a stereoscopic technique, combined with the use of planar gamma-prime morphologies, was applied. It was found that gamma-prime particles were orderly and closely aligned with edges along the 100-line, 010-line, and 001-line-oriented directions of the gamma matrix. Different crystal growth orientations were found not to affect the morphology of gamma-prime particles. The accumulation of dislocations around gamma/gamma-prime interfaces formed strong barriers to subsequent dislocation movement and was the primary strengthening mechanism at room temperature.

Chen, P. S.↗

Fracture of single crystals of the nickel-base superalloy PWA 1480E in hydrogen at 22 C

The present study investigates the hydrogen-induced fracture behavior of notched single crystals of the PWA 1480E nickel-based superalloy. Notched single crystals with seven different crystal orientations were tensile tested at 22 C in a hydrogen atmosphere at 34 MPa. Hydrogen-enhanced cleavage along 100-line planes in the notched region was found to be due to cracking along the gamma/gamma-prime interfaces. Cleavage on 111-line-type planes was observed only outside the notch region. The occurrence of 100- and 111-line-types of cleavage was independent of the single-crystal orientation. Outside the notch region, the fracture surfaces of specimens tested in hydrogen appeared very similar to those tested in helium. Differences in the fracture surfaces were located primarily near the notch region.

Chen, P. S.↗

Effect of thermal shock on fiber-reinforced superalloy composites

An evaluation is presented of the thermal shock behavior of tungsten fiber-reinforced superalloy (FRS) composites with respect to the turbine blade requirements of rocket engine turbopumps. Each composite was reinforced unidirectionally with 40-volume-pct continuous tungsten fibers. The start-up conditions of the first-stage turbine blades of the high-pressure fuel turbopump in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) were used to investigate the thermal shock behavior of these materials. The FRS composites showed excellent thermal shock resistance, two to nine times better than the turbine blade material used in the SSME. Thermal shock cycling produced microcracks on the surfaces of the irradiated area that were less than 0.13 mm long and 0.005 mm deep. Neither fiber/matrix debonding nor microvoiding was observed.

Yuen, J. L.↗

Conditions Of Directional Solidification Affect Superalloy

Report describes experiments to determine effects of gradient of temperature and rate of solidification on microstructure and fatigue properties of nickel-based superalloy MAR-M246(Hf). Enhancement of properties extends lifespans of objects, including turbo-pump blades of Space Shuttle Main Engines. Results indicate significant improvements in fatigue properties derived through manipulation of parameters of directional solidification. Particularly MAR-M246(Hf) for turbine blades contains small, well-dispersed blocky carbide and microstructure with small distances between dendrite arms, and without eutectic phase.

Schmidt, D. D.↗

Fatigue damage in superalloys determined using Doppler broadening positron annihilation

Axial fatigue specimens of three superalloys, Inconel 718, Incoloy 903 and Haynes 188, were machined from solution-heat-treated material and artificially aged. They were subjected to cyclic loading for a selected number of cycles after which the S parameter was determined using Doppler broadening positron annihilation. Initially, the S parameter decreased, followed by a large increase and a subsequent decline leading to fracture. This has been interpreted as the removal of residual vacancies, the introduction of new defects by cyclic loading, and, finally, a clustering of the defects as microcracks which grow to cause failure.

Hoeckelman, Donald↗

Solidification processing superalloys in an electric field

The phase morphology of a given superalloy's microstructure is established during solidification. Solidification-processing in an applied electric field is a technique currently undergoing experimental characterization at NASA-Marshall. The method is predicated on the simplest model of a metallic solid, in which ions are arranged in basic space lattices that are permeated by an 'electron gas' whose valence electrons are free to move in the solid. When in a superheated liquid state, the metal is seen as a dense 'cold plasma' of electrons and ions. The application of an electric field during solidification establishes a steady, continuous current flow; the direction of propagation of the plasma waves coincides with the direction of the electric field. Such an alignment introduces an ordered arrangement of the electric vectors and introduces an additional degree of order in an already highly ordered alloy.

Ahmed, Shaffiq↗

Determination of cleavage planes and fracture characterization of Ni-based single crystal superalloys

The room temperature fracture behavior of the Ge Rene N-4, CMSX-2, and CMSX-4C single crystal Ni-based superalloys was studied. All crystals were grown along the (001) direction and tensile tested in both helium and hydrogen atmospheres. A stereoscopic technique developed for use with a scanning electron microscope was applied to determine cleavage planes. Planar gamma(') morphologies also were examined to help determine cleavage planes. Helium charged specimens failed on a number of planes including the (111), (110), and (320). In most cases planes of the (111)-type initiated at the notch region and became smaller and smaller as they moved in radially. Tensile strengths in helium averaged 1000 MPa higher than that of the hydrogen charged specimens. Specimens tested in hydrogen generally failed on (100)-type planes originating from the notch region. This (100) region comprised 60 to 80 percent of the total fracture surface on most samples and appeared as large flat planes perpendicular to the growth direction of the crystal. The interior regions contained (100)-type planes as well as (321), (320), (210), and (111)-types. Hydrogen charged specimens also showed a high percentage of large cracks oriented at 90 deg to one another, indicative of the (100)-type fracture. The Ge Rene N4 and the CMSX-4C samples contained 3-5 percent gamma/gamma(') eutectic, while the CMSX-2 samples had little or no gamma/gamma(') eutectic. The relationship between gamma/gamma(') eutectic and the fracture surface has not been fully determined, but it is thought that the gamma/gamma(') eutectic may serve as a possible trapping site for hydrogen.

Merrill, John M.↗

Gas phase hydrogen permeation in a Ni-Fe-Co superalloy

Hydrogen permeation measurements have been conducted for the Incoloy 909 Ni-Fe-Co superalloy via the 'membrane' technique, in which the gaseous hydrogen at the entrance of a thin membrane is transposed through the bulk to the exit side of the membrane, at 400-810 C; the pressure range explored was 2.7 x 10 exp 3 to 1.3 x 10 exp 5 N/sq m. The lattice hydrogen solubility of Incoloy 909 is found to be only weakly temperature-dependent. These results are compared with those obtained for Incoloy 903.

Shanabarger, Mickey R.↗

Effect of thermal cycling on interface bonding requirements in Al2O3 fiber-reinforced superalloy composites

CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) mismatch-induced stresses as they affect the fiber-matrix bond integrity of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced superalloy composites are examined. Of the three individual stress components, only the radial stress directly affects the integrity of the fiber-matrix interface. It is noted that a compressive radial stress leads to a clamping action on the fiber and is therefore beneficial to the integrity of the fiber-matrix bond. A radial tensile stress, on the other hand, can cause debonding of the fiber from the matrix for a weak fiber-matrix bond.

Misra, Ajay K.↗

Hydrogen-Resistant Fe/Ni/Cr-Base Superalloy

Strong Fe/Ni/Cr-base hydrogen- and corrosion-resistant alloy developed. Superalloy exhibits high strength and exceptional resistance to embrittlement by hydrogen. Contains two-phase microstructure consisting of conductivity precipitated phase in conductivity matrix phase. Produced in wrought, weldable form and as castings, alloy maintains high ductility and strength in air and hydrogen. Strength exceeds previously known Fe/Cr/Ni hydrogen-, oxidation-, and corrosion-resistant alloys. Provides higher strength-to-weight ratios for lower weight in applications as storage vessels and pipes that must contain hydrogen.

Bhat, Biliyar N.↗

Cyclic axial-torsional deformation behavior of a cobalt-base superalloy

Multiaxial loading, especially at elevated temperature, can cause the inelastic response of a material to differ significantly from that predicted by simple flow rules, i.e., von Mises or Tresca. To quantify some of these differences, the cyclic high-temperature, deformation behavior of a wrought cobalt-based superalloy, Haynes 188, is investigated under combined axial and torsional loads. Haynes 188 is currently used in many aerospace gas turbine and rocket engine applications, e.g., the combustor liner for the T800 turboshaft engine for the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter and the liquid oxygen posts in the main injector of the space shuttle main engine. The deformation behavior of this material is assessed through the examination of hysteresis loops generated from a biaxial fatigue test program. A high-temperature axial, torsional, and combined axial-torsional fatigue data base has been generated on Haynes 188 at 760 C. Cyclic loading tests have been conducted on uniform gauge section tubular specimens in a servohydraulic axial-torsional test rig. Test control and data acquisition were accomplished with a minicomputer. In this paper, the cyclic hardening characteristics and typical hysteresis loops in the axial stress versus axial strain, shear stress versus engineering shear strain, axial strain versus engineering shear strain, and axial stress versus shear stress spaces are presented for cyclic, in-phase and out-of-phase, axial torsional tests. For in-phase tests three different values of the proportionality constant, lambda (ratio of engineering shear strain amplitude to axial strain amplitude), are examined, viz., 0.86, 1.73, and 3.46. In the out-of-phase tests, three different values of the phase angle, phi (between the axial and engineering shear strain waveforms), are studied, viz., 30, 60, and 90 deg with lambda = 1.73. The cyclic hardening behaviors of all the tests conducted on Haynes 188 at 760 C are evaluated using the von Mises equivalent stress-strain and the maximum shear stress-maximum engineering shear strain (Tresca) curves. Comparisons are also made between the hardening behaviors of cyclic axial, torsional, and combined in-phase and out-of-phase axial-torsional fatigue tests. These comparisons are accomplished through simple Ramberg-Osgood type stress-strain functions for cyclic, axial stress-strain and shear stress-engineering shear strain curves.

Bonacuse, Peter J.↗

Hydrogen Annealing Of Single-Crystal Superalloys

Annealing at temperature equal to or greater than 2,200 degrees F in atmosphere of hydrogen found to increase ability of single-crystal superalloys to resist oxidation when subsequently exposed to oxidizing atmospheres at temperatures almost as high. Supperalloys in question are principal constituents of hot-stage airfoils (blades) in aircraft and ground-based turbine engines; also used in other high-temperature applications like chemical-processing plants, coal-gasification plants, petrochemical refineries, and boilers. Hydrogen anneal provides resistance to oxidation without decreasing fatigue strength and without need for coating or reactive sulfur-gettering constituents. In comparison with coating, hydrogen annealing costs less. Benefits extend to stainless steels, nickel/chromium, and nickel-base alloys, subject to same scale-adhesion and oxidation-resistance considerations, except that scale is chromia instead of alumina.

Smialek, James L.↗

Temperature Dependent Cyclic Deformation Mechanisms in Haynes 188 Superalloy

The cyclic deformation behavior of a wrought cobalt-base superalloy, Haynes 188, has been investigated over a range of temperatures between 25 and 1000 C under isothermal and in-phase thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) conditions. Constant mechanical strain rates (epsilon-dot) of 10(exp -3)/s and 10(exp -4)/s were examined with a fully reversed strain range of 0.8%. Particular attention was given to the effects of dynamic strain aging (DSA) on the stress-strain response and low cycle fatigue life. A correlation between cyclic deformation behavior and microstructural substructure was made through detailed transmission electron microscopy. Although DSA was found to occur over a wide temperature range between approximately 300 and 750 C the microstructural characteristics and the deformation mechanisms responsible for DSA varied considerably and were dependent upon temperature. In general, the operation of DSA processes led to a maximum of the cyclic stress amplitude at 650 C and was accompanied by pronounced planar slip, relatively high dislocation density, and the generation of stacking faults. DSA was evidenced through a combination of phenomena, including serrated yielding, an inverse dependence of the maximum cyclic hardening with epsilon-dot, and an instantaneous inverse epsilon-dot sensitivity verified by specialized epsilon-dot -change tests. The TMF cyclic hardening behavior of the alloy appeared to be dictated by the substructural changes occuring at the maximum temperature in the TMF cycle.

Rao, K. Bhanu Sankara↗

Designing Ni- and Co-Base Superalloys To Resist Oxidation

Analysis of experimental cyclic-oxidation data yields quantitative design criterion. Equation characterizing abilities of superalloys to resist oxidation at high temperatures proves useful for designing new alloy compositions to resist oxidation. Rates tendency to become oxidized in terms of single attack parameter, K(a), as function of composition and temperature: decrease in K(a) signifies increase in resistance to oxidation.

Barrett, Charles A.↗