Multi-scale characterization of material and surface integrity of Inconel 718 when milling by Abrasive Water Jet process: Context of repair application

Abstract

Inconel 718 (IN718) is a precipitation hardened nickel-base super-alloy exhibiting poor machinability and used in the hot section of aircraft engines. These components are subjected to severe thermo-mechanical loads in a highly corrosive environment, limiting their service life due to cracks and wear. Due to their high added-value, repair of damaged IN718 components is an interesting alternative instead their replacement. Repair process involves material removal of the damaged zone and subsequent cavity refill. Nevertheless, material removal of IN718 by conventional methods is a challenging task. Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ), a non-conventional machining process, offers a potential alternative to mitigate IN718 machining problems. However, research on the impact of AWJ process parameters during IN718 milling on the surface and material integrity is limited in the literature. Furthermore, in repair context, no study proposes AWJ machining as material removal process. The present work focuses on a multi-scale characterization of the influence of AWJ process parameters (pressure, traverse speed, step-over distance and abrasive size) on surface roughness, depth of cut, abrasive embedment and residual stress, during milling of untreated IN718. Surface integrity characterization on the milled surfaces was conducted through 3D optical microscopy, profilometry and SEM techniques. Residual stress measurements were performed in longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the machining path using XRD technique. The results showed that all milled surfaces presented abrasive embedment and a compressive residual stress state with similar values in both directions. Up to 15% of the area of a milled surface consisted of abrasive embedment. The tool path has not influenced the residual stresses. Furthermore, surface roughness is dependent on pressure and traverse speed; depth of cut is influenced by pressure, traverse speed and grit size; abrasive embedment depends on pressure, step-over distance and grit size; whilst, residual stresses are influenced by traverse speed and grit size.