Thermo-mechanical processing of Ni-base superalloys

Purpose and goal

The project´s aim was to map and understand how different process parameters affect material´s structure, with the goal of creating conditions for establishing a robust and predictable process. Through dedicated studies, several connections between process and structure have been identified, and important conclusions regarding which parameters are critical for the final result have been drawn. Extensive method development has also resulted in both better and more reliable methods, and an increased ability to integrate open research result into future technology development.

Expected results and effects

This project has resulted in five scientific articles of which 4 are published and one will soon be submitted for publication. Furthermore , a licentiate thesis and a doctoral thesis have been written and defended. In addition to this ,results from the project have also been disseminated in the form of presentations at conferences and seminars. These results increases the understand forging aspects ,recrystallization behavior and how it influences the critical material properties like creep in Haynes 282 material thus increasing ability to make better collaboration with forgers.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was carried out as a collaboration between Chalmers Technical university college (responsible for material analysis), Högskolan Väst (responsible for mechanical testing) and GKN Aerospace (as owner of the problem). The collaboration between the parties has been very valuable and the combination of unique skills of each participant has led to both scientific excellence and direct industrial relevance. The doctoral student has been employed by GKN after the end of the project, which further ensures the transfer of knowledge and skills.