Microstructures and mechanical behavior of Inconel 718 fabricated by selective laser melting

The precipitation of the equilibrium δ-Ni3Nb phase has been studied in two niobium bearing nickel base superalloys—INCONEL 718 and INCONEL* 625—both of which are hardenable by the precipitation of the metastableγ″-Ni3Nb phase. The morphology and the distribution of precipitates have been examined and the crystallographic orientation relationship between the austenite and theδ phases has been determined. The nucleation of theδ phase at stacking faults within pre-existing δ" precipitates has been discussed.

Precipitation of the δ-Ni 3 Nb phase in two nickel base superalloys

Reactive element-sulfur interaction and oxide scale adherence

The constituents of nickel-base superalloys have been classified into solid solution formers, precipitate formers, carbide formers and surface stabilizers. The characteristics of solutes which would make them most suitable in each category have been specified and appropriate alloying elements have been identified. Nickel-base superalloys are hardened primarily by the precipitation of Ni3X type compounds. The occurrence and crystallography of precipitation of various kinds of Ni3X type precipitates have been considered. The role of substitution by alloying elements on mismatch and stability of phases has been discussed. The free electron model and the Engel-Brewer model have been applied for evaluating the stabilities of precipitates, and the role of the alloying elements in determining the stabilities of external and internal surfaces such as grain boundaries have been briefly outlined.

The role of alloying elements in the design of nickel-base superalloys

The cyclic stress-strain response and the low cycle fatigue life of conventionally heat treated Inconel 718 were studied. Fully reversed strain-controlled tests were performed at room temperature and at 823 K. Optical and electron microscopy were used to study the development of deformation and cracking during cycling. A power-law relationship between life-time and plastic strain amplitude was obtained. A substantial decrease in fatigue life occurred as the temperature was increased from 298 to 823 K and as the cycling frequency was lowered from 3 cyclesJmin to 0.3 cyclesJmin at 823 K. At 298 K, for all the strain amplitudes investigated, an initial rapid hardening was followed by softening, while at 823 K only softening occurred. Electron microscopy showed that the precipitates were sheared in the course of cyclic straining and that plastic deformation proceeded by the propagation of planar bands. These bands were identified as twins. Twinning was found to be more abundant at elevated temperatures than at room temperature, especially at lower frequencies. Cracking was generally initiated along the interfaces between these twin bands and the matrix but, at elevated temperatures and low strain rates, intercrystalline cracking took place, as well. The influence of particles shearing and twinning on the cyclic stress-strain response of the material are discussed. The importance of planar deformation and twinning on intergranular cracking is emphasized.

B. H. Kear

Papers

Precipitation of γ in the γ′of nickel-base superalloys

The importance of grain boundary morphology and cohesion on intergranular strength

Morphology of γ precipitates in Ni-rich γ'--Ni 3 (Al,Ta)