Local Phase Transformations: A New Creep Strengthening Mechanism in Ni-Base Superalloys

Polycrystalline Ni-based superalloys are vital materials for disks in the hot section of aerospace and land-based turbine engines due to their exceptional microstructural stability and strength at high temperatures. In order to increase operating temperatures and hold times in these engines, hence increasing engine efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions, creep properties of these alloys becomes increasingly important. Microtwinning and stacking fault shearing through the strengthening g’ precipitates are important operative mechanisms in the critical 600-800°C temperature range. Atomic-scale chemical and structural analyses indicate that local phase transformations (LPT) occur commonly during creep of superalloys. Furthermore, the important deformation modes can be modulated by LPT formation, enabling a new path for improving high temperature properties.