Effect of initial gamma prime size on the elevated temperature creep properties of single crystal nickel base superalloys

Abstract

The influence of initial γ′ size and shape on the high temperature creep properties of two single crystal nickel-base superalloys was investigated. The two alloys were chosen to represent different magnitudes of γ-γ′ lattice mismatch. A range of initial microstructures was produced by various quenching and aging treatments. Creep-rupture testing at 1000 °C was performed under stresses where γ′ directionally coarsens to form γ-γ′ lamellae in the early portion of the creep life. Both alloys exhibited a peak in creep resistance as a function of initial γ′ size. The peak corresponded to an initial microstructure consisting of cuboidal precipitates aligned along [001] directions. These aligned cuboidal γ′ particles directionally coarsened into a relatively perfect lamellar γ-γ′ structure in the early stages of creep, whereas the more irregularly shaped and distributed γ′ particles in both under and overaged material formed more irregular lamellae with more imperfections. The alloy with a lower magnitude of mismatch was less sensitive to initial γ′size and shape.