Effect of Tungsten Addition on Properties of Ni-Based Alloy Sheet Prepared by EB-PVD

Large scale Ni-based alloy sheets are prepared by electron beam physical vapor deposition with and without tungsten added into melting pools respectively. Addition W increased vapor rate and decreased compositional transformation during deposition. Chemical constitution of the sheet prepared through tungsten is more similar to that of the ingot. Microstructure of two alloy sheets is observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atom force microscope (AFM). The results show that both of the sheets consist of columnar grains, whose major axes are almost parallel to the normal direction of the sheet. However, the average diameter of grains of the sheet through tungsten is larger than that of the sheet not through tungsten in minor axis direction. Mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of both sheets are studied. Tensile tests are conducted on a number of specimens. Strength, strain-to-failure are estimated under loading condition. The results show that the sheet prepared by EB-PVD through tungsten has a superior strength and an elongation percentage than that of the one prepared without tungsten.