Search

This work investigates the effect of Ru on the solution heat treatment window of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy. The addition of the Ru influences the solidification microstructure and widens the window. The solidification process is established to occur in the sequence of γ (dendrite) → γ + γ' grid eutectic (inter-dendrite) → γ + γ' lamella eutectic (inter-dendrite) → γ' (inter-dendrite). This is followed by the γ → γ + γ' decomposition of the γ dendrite into the common channel-cuboid structure upon cooling. The solvus of γ' and the solidus of the alloy define the window. In alloys containing inter-dendrite eutectic, the window is in principle zero. In this case, only the dynamic window created by homogenization diffusion may allow heat treatment. Adding Ru decreases the elements' partition ratios between the dendrite core and dendrite edge regions. It also promotes the enrichment of Re at the γ/γ' phase interfaces, which helps to refine the γ + γ' channel-cuboid structure and reduce the differences in both the size and volume fraction of the γ' phase between dendrite core and dendrite edge. Ru is found to inhibit the formation of (Ta, X)C carbide. These help widen the solution treatment temperature window of the Ni-based single crystal alloy. [Display omitted] • The solidification of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy is established. • The addition of the Ru can widen the solution heat treatment window. • The metallurgical principle behind the window of solution heat treatment is explained. • The effect of Ru on the window and the microstructure in cross-scale is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the blade material of engine, nickel-base single crystal superalloy has been subjected to complex service environment such as high temperature and alternating load for a long time. In this work, the mechanism of fatigue microcrack initiation and propagation in a nickel-based single crystal at 950 °C and 1050 °C was studied by using the in-situ scanning electron microscope high temperature fatigue test system. At 950 °C, the alloy deformation was controlled by slip and the crack shear γ/γ' phase cracking, showing Stage I mode. At 1050 °C, the alloy crack tearing occurred at the γ phase parallel to the loading direction and γ/γ' interface perpendicular to the loading direction and presents a Stage II mode perpendicular to the loading axis, then changes into Stage I in the accelerating stage. The deformation mechanism of fatigue cracking at two temperatures was compared. Besides, the influence of the microstructure defects on the fatigue crack behavior was discussed. The results show that the propagation of the microcrack below 100 μm shows evident fluctuations, which is closely related to the microstructure and the development stage of the fatigue crack. • The fatigue crack behavior of a nickel-base single crystal superalloy was investigated by in-situ SEM at 950 °C and 1050 °C. • The microscopic deformation mechanism of fatigue cracking at 950 °C and 1050 °C was revealed. • The effect of microstructure defects on the initiation and propagation behavior of fatigue cracks was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creep properties of a 4th generation nickel-based single crystal superalloy (Ni-SX) are investigated at 1150 °C and 1100 °C. Fracture mechanism is revealed as competitive microcrack initiation induced by topologically close-packed (TCP) phase formation and creep inconsistency on dendritic structures showing the strong temperature-and-time dependent relations. At 1150 °C, alloy displays the high nucleation rate of TCP phases. Dense TCP particles dissolve the surrounding γ/γ' microstructures forming large depleted zone where is easily stress-concentrated. Dislocations are found to emit from the interface between TCP and depleted zone that promotes dislocation shearing and microcrack initiation in the large depleted zone, as well as the fracture of alloy. On contrary, alloy crept at 1100 °C suffers to relatively restricted TCP nucleation. But the longer creep time gives to larger size of TCP precipitates. Compared to alloy crept at 1150 °C, the depleted zone is much smaller that is not prone for stress concentration. For this creep inconsistency induced by dendritic segregation plays the main role in determining the creep properties. The larger local strain rate forms microcracks primarily in interdendritic region causing the final fracture. • Creep behaviors of a new 4th generation Ni-SX are compared at 1150 °C and 1100 °C. • Temperature-and-time dependent TCP precipitation and creep inconsistency affect the creep. • Depending on temperature, the two factors display competitive behaviors. • Higher temperature of 1150 °C enlarges the influence of TCP precipitation. • Creep inconsistency on dendritic structures dominants the creep at 1100 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]