Reliable Modelling Approach for Designing Precipitation Hardening in Next-Generation High-Endurance Ni-Based Superalloys

Purpose and goal

The project develops computational tools for performance-driven design of Ni-based superalloys for high-temperature energy and transport applications. Combining ICME, Calphad modelling and experiments, it enables predictive simulation of microstructure and property. Industrial partners, Alleima and Outokumpu, can use the validated models for alloy and heat treatment design. Key functions will be implemented in the commercial software Thermo-Calc making the tools accessible to global community.

Expected effects and result

This project will deliver validated precipitation and property models with predictive capability across defined compositions and heat treatments. It will integrate new functionalities for modelling complex precipitation sequences and incubation times. Experiments includes LSI, TEM, EBSD and APT analyses to characterize precipitates and precipitation kinetics, along with hardness test to assess resulting properties. Knowledge will be transferred through workshop, conference and publication.

Planned approach and implementation

The project begins with designing and producing model alloys based on 625 and 718, varying composition and ageing treatments. Lab-scale and LSI characterization will support calibration and refinement of precipitation models together with literature data. In parallel, a semi-empirical model will be developed to describe complex precipitation sequence and incubation time. Finally, property model parameters will be optimized to link precipitation behaviour with mechanical properties.