Finite-Element Analysis of Waspaloy Using Sinh Creep-Damage Constitutive Model Under Triaxial Stress State

Abstract

The creep deformation and damage evolution of nickel base superalloy (Waspaloy) at 700 °C are studied using the classic Kachanov–Rabotnov (KR) and a recently developed Sin-hyperbolic (Sinh) model. Uniaxial creep deformation and Bridgman rupture data collected from literature are used to determine the model constants and to compare the KR and the Sinh solutions. Finite-element (FE) simulations on a single eight-node element are conducted to validate the accuracy of the FE code. It is observed that KR cannot predict the creep deformation, damage, and rupture life of nickel base superalloys accurately using one set of constants for all the stress levels. The Sinh model exhibits a superior ability to predict the creep behavior using one set of constants for all the stress levels. Finite-element analysis (FEA) on 3D Bridgman notched Waspaloy specimen using the Sinh model is conducted. The results show that the Sinh model when combined with a representative stress equation and calibrated with experimental data can accurately predict the “notch effect” observed in the rupture life of notched specimen. Contour plots of damage evolution and stress redistribution are presented. It is demonstrated that the Sinh model is less stress sensitive, produces unconditional critical damage equal to unity at rupture, exhibits a more realistic damage distribution around the crack tip, and offers better crack growth analysis than KR.