Microstructure Evolution of Nickel-Based Superalloys Induced by Thermomechanical Processing - Simulation and Verification

Abstract

It is known that different parts of the gas turbine engine discs are operated at different temperature and load. Therefore, it is advisable to make such components out of nickel-based superalloys with a regulated structure that provides them the best operational properties. It is important to know the thermomechanical treatment for their processing to form such structures. Research of the deformation behavior and the microstructure evolution of nickel-based superalloys were carried out on small specimens. The accumulated strains and the stress distribution in specimens were determined during simulation. It is possible to predict structure formation on the basis of a deflected mode. Verification was carried out by isothermal upsetting of specimens out of superalloys at the temperature and strain rates determined by simulation. Thermomechanical treatments of the superalloys for different microstructure formation were defined. The features of the microstructure formation are shown depending on the chemical and phase composition of the alloys. Hot deformation of the ATI Allvac 718Plus superalloy leads to dissolution of the gamma prime phase that facilitates the deformation capacity. Increasing the alloyage of superalloys, including rhenium, leads to formation of a necklace structure instead of a homogeneous fine-grained structure for less alloyed superalloys at the same strain.