α(1 0 0) Dislocations are observed in nickel-base superalloys after creep deformation at high temperatures and low stresses. They are formed in the γ/γ´ interfaces by a three step mechanism. First, primary dislocations with Burgers vector α/2(1 0 1) and 60° character are left behind in the interfaces when dislocation loops glide through the γ channels. The 60° dislocations move into edge orientation and react forming secondary dislocations α/2(1 1 0). In the third step, new primary dislocations are knit into the already existing meshes of primary and secondary dislocations, which results in hexagonal misfit dislocation networks consisting of secondary dislocations α/2(1 1 0) and tertiary dislocations α(1 0 0), both of edge type. This self-organisation process is explained by dislocation theory and crystallography.
Creep deformation accelerates when the α(1 0 0) interfacial dislocations enter the γ´ phase. During their climb towards the opposite interface, they attain a characteristic rectangular shape. This shape and the importance of the α(1 0 0) super dislocations for creep deformation are discussed.
Changes in the structure of single-crystal (SC) superalloy SRR99 during creep at 980 °C and 200 MPa were investigated. Geometrical parameters of the y/y'-microstructure, y/y'-misfit, stresses in the phases and local misorientation of the structure were determined at defined points of the dendritic structure by use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDXS), scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Correlation of the microstructural period and local misorientation of the structure with creep strain were found.
Experimental characterization and mechanical modeling of creep induced rafting in superalloys
(2012)
A constitutive model has been developed for the high temperature mechanical behavior of single crystal superalloys, including rafting and its consequences. The flow stress depends on the γ channel width via the Orowan stress. An evolution equation for channel widening during high temperature straining has been derived and calibrated with measurements. Therein, rafting is assumed to be driven by the relaxation of internal stresses. The model is able to represent the mechanical softening at high stresses consecutive to rafting. The model has been applied to simulate rafting during uniaxial creep in several crystal orientations, in notched specimens as well as in cyclically loaded specimens.