The Microstructural Degradation of Ni-Based Superalloys with Segregation under the Super-Gravity Condition

Abstract

The Ni-based superalloy is used as the turbine blade, which is subject to the coupling effect of temperature and super-gravity during service. As the Ni-based superalloys are difficult to become homogenous after using the solid solution heat treatment, a study on morphology and composition distribution of Ni-base superalloys with segregation during microstructural degradation is necessary. This study investigates the microstructure of the ex-service turbine blade and cast samples subjected to the high-temperature centrifugal test. The difference in the size and shape factor of the γ′ phase decreased with the stress caused by the super-gravity condition, indicating a higher magnitude of homogenization degree. The higher stress will also promote the merge of the sub-grain boundaries, leading to a lower density and higher orientational deviation of the sub-grain boundaries.