Deformation mechanism maps and strength-controlling mechanisms for predicting the mechanical properties of polycrystalline superalloys

The deformation mechanisms that occur have a decisive influence on the mechanical properties of precipitation-strengthened superalloys. The goal of the research is therefore to understand these mechanisms in order to manufacture enhanced superalloys for industrial applications and to better predict their properties using physical material models. Advances in microscopy and modeling have made it possible in recent years to investigate deformation mechanisms on an atomic scale. However, accurately predicting these mechanisms has so far been difficult due to the many influencing factors. This is particularly true for polycrystalline superalloys, as the deformation mechanisms depend not only on the alloy composition and microstructure but also on the crystal orientation of the respective grains.

The primary goal of transfer project T11, part of the now-completed Collaborative Research Center/Transregio 103 “From the Atom to the Turbine Blade—Scientific Foundations for a New Generation of Single-Crystal Superalloys,” is to correlate the deformation mechanisms and their various influencing factors with the static mechanical properties of polycrystalline γ/γʹ Ni-based superalloys in order to enable predictions within the typical application temperature range. In this context, the methods and findings generated in the CRC/TR 103 are utilized and transferred to an application of the industrial partner MTU Aero Engines AG. Subsequently, existing models are evaluated and extended.

The transfer project with the industry partner MTU Aero Engines AG is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under project number 190389738 as Transfer Project T11 of the now-completed Collaborative Research Center/Transregio 103 “From the Atom to the Turbine Blade—Scientific Foundations for a New Generation of Single-Crystal Superalloys.”