IMPACTER - Enhanced understanding of powder bed fusion-electron beam processing of Ni-base superalloys through in situ high-energy X-ray studies

The material system of the alloy Mar-M-247 in focus is complex with high fraction of γ’. It has a very high oxidation resistance which makes  suitableit suitable for hot gas path components such as turbine blades, guide vanes and heat shields. Due to the complex microstructure, this type of alloy is often not easy to weld and it has been difficult to manufacture it process them with AM techniques such as powder bed fusion-laser beam (PBF-LB).[ref Olutayo Adegoke’s PhD thesis]. Haynes 282, on the other hand , is a more “lean” Ni-based super alloys, with less oxidation resistance than Mar-M-247, but still with other important beneficial high temperature mechanical properties. Therefore, the aim of this project is to perform dual investigations of these two different Ni-based superalloys, of high interest for aerospace. GKN Aerospace’s goal with the project is to attain fundamental understanding of these type of materials at condition typical for PBF-EB to aid in the implementation of this manufacturing technique to replace conventionally cast products. 

To reach the goal of the project, GKN has teamed up with Högskolan Väst (HV) and KTH Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH) to perform in-situ investigation of these Ni base superalloys during PBF-EB processing. This will be achieved by using high-energy X-ray characterization techniques and a newly developed sample environment dedicated to simulate PBF-EB conditions while allowing in-situ diffraction and scattering measurements, and high-speed imaging (?). The experiments are planned to be performed at the beamlines P21.2 (and P61A) at PETRA III, DESY in Hamburg for which the sample environment has been designed for.