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At least 73 records · Page 4

Directionally solidified eutectic gamma-gamma nickel-base superalloys

A directionally solidified multivariant eutectic gamma-gamma prime nickel-base superalloy casting having improved high temperature properties was developed. The alloy is comprised of a two phase eutectic structure consisting essentially of on a weight percent base, 6.0 to 9.0 aluminum, 5.0 to 17.0 tantalum, 0-10 cobalt, 0-6 vanadium, 0-6 rhenium, 2.0-6.0 tungsten, and the balance being nickel, subject to the proviso that the sum of the atomic percentages of aluminum plus tantalum is within the range of from 19-22, and the ratio of atomic percentages of tantalum to aluminum plus tantalum is within the range of from 0.12 to 0.23. Embedded within the gamma nickel-base matrix are aligned eutectic gamma prime phase (primarily nickel-aluminum-tantalum) reinforcing fibers.

Jackson, M. R.↗

Methodology Developed for Modeling the Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Single-Crystal, Nickel-Base Superalloys

Because of their superior high-temperature properties, gas generator turbine airfoils made of single-crystal, nickel-base superalloys are fast becoming the standard equipment on today's advanced, high-performance aerospace engines. The increased temperature capabilities of these airfoils has allowed for a significant increase in the operating temperatures in turbine sections, resulting in superior propulsion performance and greater efficiencies. However, the previously developed methodologies for life-prediction models are based on experience with polycrystalline alloys and may not be applicable to single-crystal alloys under certain operating conditions. One of the main areas where behavior differences between single-crystal and polycrystalline alloys are readily apparent is subcritical fatigue crack growth (FCG). The NASA Lewis Research Center's work in this area enables accurate prediction of the subcritical fatigue crack growth behavior in single-crystal, nickel-based superalloys at elevated temperatures.

Source record↗

The effect of alloying on gamma and gamma prime in nickel-base superalloys

An investigation was conducted to determine the compositional limits of gamma and gamma prime phases in nickel-base superalloys. Fifty-one nickel-base alloys were melted under vacuum and heat treated for 4 hours at 1190 C followed by 1008 hours at 850 C. The alloys had the following composition ranges: A1 4.0 to 13 atomic percent, Cr 6.5 to 20.5 percent, Ti 0.25 to 4.75 percent, Mo 0.0 to 6.0 percent, and W 0.0 to 4.0 percent. The residues from the ammonium sulfate electrolytic extraction for the two-phase alloys were analyzed chemically and by X-ray diffraction. The results of the investigation were used to assemble a mathematical model of the gamma-gamma prime region of the Ni-Al-Cr-Ti-Mo-W system. A computer program was written to analyze the model of the phase diagram. Some of these results are also presented graphically. The resulting model is capable of satisfactorily predicting the compositions of conjugate gamma-gamma prime phases in the alloys investigated and twelve of fifteen commercial superalloys studied.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

Anisotropy of high temperature strength in precipitation-hardened nickel-base superalloy single crystals

The anisotropy of high temperature strength of nickel-base superalloy, Alloy 454, in service for advanced jet engine turbine blades and vanes, was investigated. Crystallographic orientation dependence of tensile yield strength, creep and creep rupture strength was found to be marked at about 760C. In comparison with other single crystal data, a larger allowance in high strength off-axial orientation from the 001 axis, and relatively poor strength at near the -111 axis were noted. From transmission electron microscopy the anisotropic characteristics of this alloy were explained in terms of available slip systems and stacking geometries of gamma-prime precipitate cuboids which are well hardened by a large tantalum content. 100 cube slip was considered to be primarily responsible for the poor strength of the -111 axis orientation replacing the conventional 111 plane slip systems.

Nakagawa, Y. G.↗

Effects of cobalt on structure, microchemistry and properties of a wrought nickel-base superalloy

The effect of cobalt on the basic mechanical properties and microstructure of wrought nickel-base superalloys has been investigated experimentally by systematically replacing cobalt by nickel in Udimet 700 (17 wt% Co) commonly used in gas turbine (jet engine) applications. It is shown that the room temperature tensile yield strength and tensile strength only slightly decrease in fine-grained (disk) alloys and are basically unaffected in coarse-grained (blading) alloys as cobalt is removed. Creep and stress rupture resistances at 760 C are found to be unaffected by cobalt level in the blading alloys and decrease sharply only when the cobalt level is reduced below 8 vol% in the disk alloys. The effect of cobalt is explained in terms of gamma prime strengthening kinetics.

Jarrett, R. N.↗

The continuing battle against defects in nickel-base superalloys

In the six decades since the identification of age hardenable nickel-base superalloys their compositions and microstructures have changed markedly. Current alloys are tailored for specific applications. Thus their microstructures are defined for that application. This paper briefly reviews the evolution of superalloy microstructures and comments on the appearance and implications of microstructural defects in high performance superalloys. It is seen that new alloys and proceses have generated new types of defects. Thus as the industry continues to develop new alloys and processes it must remain vigilant toward the identification and control of new types of defects.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

The influence of cobalt, tantalum, and tungsten on the microstructure of single crystal nickel-base superalloys

The influence of composition on the microstructure of single crystal nickel-base superalloys was investigated. Co was replaced by Ni, and Ta was replaced by either Ni or W, according to a matrix of compositions based on MAR-M247. Substitution of Ni for Co caused an increase in gamma-prime solvus temperature, an increase in gamma-gamma-prime lattice mismatch, and the precipitation of W-rich phases in the alloys with high refractory metal levels. Substitution of Ni for Ta caused large decreases in gamma-prime solvus temperature, gamma-prime volume fraction, and gamma-gamma-prime lattice mismatch, whereas substitution of W for Ta resulted in smaller decreases in these features. For the alloys with gamma-prime particles that remained coherent, substitution of Ni for Co caused an increase in gamma-prime coarsening rate. The two alloys with the largest magnitude of lattice mismatch possessed gamma-prime particles which lost coherency during unstressed aging and exhibited anomalously low coarsening rates. Creep exposure at 1000 C resulted in the formation of gamma-prime lamellae oriented perpendicular to the applied stress axis in all alloys.

Nathal, M. V.↗

Orientation and temperature dependence of some mechanical properties of the single-crystal nickel-base superalloy Rene N4. I - Tensile behavior

Single crystal specimens of a nickel-base superalloy with axes near 001, 011, and -112 were tested in tension at room temperature, 760, and 980 C. The alloy Rene N-4, was developed for gas turbine engine blades and has the nominal composition 3.7 Al, 4.2 Ti, 4 Ta, 0.5 Nb, 6 W, 1.5 Mo, 9 Cr, 7.5 Co, balance Ni, (all in weight percent). Analysis of slip band traces, specimen axis rotation, and dislocation Burgers vectors showed that at 760 and 980 C primary cube slip supplanted normal octahedral slip for the -112 line-oriented specimens. The other two orientations, which have lower resolved shear stresses on the cube system, exhibited octahedral slip at all three temperatures. The critical resolved shear stress is considerably greater on the cube system than on the octahedral system at room temperature. However, at 760 and 980 C the critical resolved shear stresses on the two systems are about the same. While the room temperature and 980 C yield strengths for the two orientations exhibiting octahedral slip could be rationalized on the basis of resolved shear stress, those at 760 C could not. Such violations of Schmid's law have previously been observed in other superalloys and single phase gamma-prime.

Miner, R. V.↗

The characteristics of gamma-prime dislocation pairs in a nickel-base superalloy

The gamma-prime dislocation pairs of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy, PWA 1480, after tensile and fatigue loading at 650 C are analyzed. The existence and extent of cube cross slip in octahedral slip, and the nature of gamma-prime dislocation pairs in primary cube slip are investigated. It is observed that the PWA 1480 specimens oriented near (001) and (-3 6 10) line directions deform by octahedral slip and specimens oriented near (-1 1 1) and (-2 3 4) lines deform by primary cube slip. It is determined that the overall dislocation distributions are more homogeneous in low cycle fatigue (LCF) loading than in monotonic tensile loading; however, the gamma-prime dislocation pair characteristics are similar for tensile and LCF test specimens. The data reveal that the gamma-prime dislocation pairs of octahedral slip specimens are near-screw and on the cube cross slip plane and for the cube slip specimens, the dislocation pairs are of various characters and on the primary cube slip plane.

Gabb, T. P.↗

Predictive design of novel nickel-based superalloys beyond Haynes 282. Final Report FWP-AL-19-510-097

Nickel-based superalloys are in great demand for harsh-service conditions involving high temperatures and oxidative environments. Haynes 282 stands out due to its excellent high-temperature properties and easy fabricability. However, the upper usage temperature of Haynes 282 is limited due to its relatively low liquidus temperature. Through high-fidelity density functional theory calculations and high-throughput experiments, new compositions that show higher liquidus temperature and higher strength are explored. While maintaining processability, the newly designed alloy shows improved strength and ductility at room temperature and better oxidation resistance up to 800°C. The new compositions showcase a minor change in the refractory and metalloid content can have a significant impact on the mechanical and oxidation performance of superalloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The high temperature deformation in cyclic loading of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy

The high temperature cyclic stress softening response of the single crystal nickel-base superalloy PWA 1480 was investigated. Specimens oriented near the 001- and 111-lines were tested at 1050 C in low-cycle fatigue and then microstructurally evaluated. The 001- and 111-line specimens had dissimilar flow behavior in monotonic tensile tests, but comparable softening in low-cycle fatigue. This softening was accompanied by rapid generation of dislocation networks at the gamma-gamma-prime interfaces and by a slower time-dependent coarsening of gamma-prime precipitates. Due to the rapid formation of a dislocation substructure at the gamma-gamma-prime interfaces, the cyclic stress softening could be modeled with an existing theory which related cyclic stress to the evolving microstructure and dislocation structure.

Gabb, T. P.↗

Direct measurements of slip irreversibility in a nickel-based superalloy using high resolution digital image correlation

Fatigue crack nucleation in crystalline materials typically develops due to highly localized cyclic slip. During a fatigue cycle, reverse slip differs locally from slip in the forward direction particularly in precipitate-containing materials such as superalloys. In this paper we report the first direct measurements of irreversibility at the scale of individual slip bands by high-resolution digital image correlation (DIC) in a polycrystalline nickel-based superalloy. Quantitative measurements of the slip irreversibility are challenging for regions of material that have a size that captures the microstructure and its variability. High spatial resolution at the nanometer scale during experimental measurements is needed to observe slip localization during deformation. Moreover, large fields are also needed to obtain the material response over statistically representative populations of microstructural configurations. Recently, high resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) digital image correlation (DIC) has been extended for quantitative analysis of discontinuities induced by slip events using the Heaviside-DIC method. Therefore, this novel method provides quantitative measurements of slip localization at the specimen surface. In this paper, the Heaviside-DIC method is used to measure slip irreversibility and plastic strain accumulation in a nickel-based superalloy. The method detects bands with high levels of irreversibility early in cycling that ultimately form fatigue cracks upon further cycling. The local microstructural configurations that induce large amounts of plasticity and slip irreversibility are correlated to crack nucleation locations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of sigma-phase formation on some mechanical properties of a wrought nickel-base superalloy (IN-100)

The effect of sigma phase formation on an extruded and forged nickel base superalloy with the composition of the casting alloy IN-100 was studied. By adding only aluminum and titanium to remelt stock, three compositions were produced which had varying propensities for sigma formation. These compositions were given a four step heat treatment and were stress-ruptured or tensile tested. The very sigma prone composition had a shorter rupture life than the sigma-free or moderately sigma prone compositions when tested at 843 and 885 C. Elongation in room temperature tensile tests was considerably lower for the very sigma prone composition than for the other two wrought compositions after prolonged exposure at 732 or 843 C.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

Fatigue crack initiation and propagation in several nickel-base superalloys at 650 C

The modes of crack initiation and propagation of several nickel-base superalloys have been examined after fatigue and creep-fatigue testing at 650 C. In fatigue, crack initiation was transgranular and frequently associated with porosity or inclusions in the higher strength alloys. These defects were usually located at the surface, except for tests at low strain ranges where larger, internal defects often initiated failure. Although fatigue crack initiation was transgranular, in those alloys with grain sizes of less than 15 microns, fatigue crack growth quickly became intergranular. This transition was environmentally assisted and did not occur for subsurface cracks until the crack broke through to the atmosphere. In the creep-fatigue cycle, which included a 900 s tensile dwell, crack initiation and propagation were both intergranular in all alloys.

Gayda, J.↗

Strainrange partitioning behavior of the nickel-base superalloys, Rene' 80 and in 100

A study was made to assess the ability of the method of Strainrange Partitioning (SRP) to both correlate and predict high-temperature, low cycle fatigue lives of nickel base superalloys for gas turbine applications. The partitioned strainrange versus life relationships for uncoated Rene' 80 and cast IN 100 were also determined from the ductility normalized-Strainrange Partitioning equations. These were used to predict the cyclic lives of the baseline tests. The life predictability of the method was verified for cast IN 100 by applying the baseline results to the cyclic life prediction of a series of complex strain cycling tests with multiple hold periods at constant strain. It was concluded that the method of SRP can correlate and predict the cyclic lives of laboratory specimens of the nickel base superalloys evaluated in this program.

Halford, G. R.↗

Successful Surface Treatments for Reducing Instabilities in Advanced Nickel-base Superalloys for Turbine Blades

An optimized carburization treatment has been developed to mitigate instabilities that form in the microstructures of advanced turbine airfoil materials. Current turbine airfoils consist of a single crystal superalloy base that provides the mechanical performance of the airfoil, a thermal barrier coating (TBC) that reduces the temperature of the base superalloy, and a bondcoat between the superalloy and the TBC, that improves the oxidation and corrosion resistance of the base superalloy and the spallation resistance of the TBC. Advanced nickel-base superalloys containing high levels of refractory metals have been observed to develop an instability called secondary reaction zone (SRZ), which can form beneath diffusion aluminide bondcoats. This instability between the superalloy and the bondcoat has the potential of reducing the mechanical properties of thin-wall turbine airfoils. Controlled gas carburization treatments combined with a prior stress relief heat treatment and adequate surface preparation have been utilized effectively to minimize the formation of SRZ. These additional processing steps are employed before the aluminide bondcoat is deposited and are believed to change the local chemistry and local stresses of the surface of the superalloy. This paper presents the detailed processing steps used to reduce SRZ between platinum aluminide bondcoats and advanced single crystal superalloys.

Locci, Ivan E.↗

Strainrange partitioning behavior of the nickel-base superalloys, Rene 80 and 100

A study has been made to assess the ability of the method of Strainrange Partitioning (SRP) to both correlate and predict high-temperature low-cycle fatigue lives of nickel-base superalloys for gas turbine applications. SRP is shown to correlate the cyclic lives of the baseline tests to within factors of nearly two. The partitioned strainrage versus life relationships for uncoated Rene 80 and cast IN 100 have also been determined from the ductility normalized-strainrange partitioning equations. These were used to predict the cyclic lives of the baseline tests. Predicted and observed cyclic lives agreed to within factors of nearly three. The life predictability of the method is also verified for cast IN 100 by applying the baseline results to the cyclic-life prediction of a series of complex strain-cycling tests with multiple hold periods at constant strain. It is concluded that the method of SRP can correlate and predict the cyclic lives of laboratory specimens of the nickel-base superalloys evaluated in this program.

Halford, G. R.↗

Role of cobalt in nickel base superalloys

The effect of cobalt or substituting for cobalt on the mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloys is discussed. Waspaloy, UDIMET 700, and NIMONIC 115, which are representative of Ni-Cr-Co-Al-Ti-Mo superalloys having different gamma prime contents which are strengthened by a heavily alloyed matrix, coherent gamma prime precipitates, and carbides at the grain boundaries. Microstructure and in situ and extracted phase STEM micro-analysis were used to evaluate the three alloys.

Jarrett, R.↗