Papers by Author: Bernard Viguier

Abstract: Interdiffusion in Ni-base superalloy CMSX-4 and alloys related to CMSX-4 was investigated at the temperature 1288 °C, which is 8 °C above the γ’-solvus temperature of this superalloy, 1280 °C. This temperature is of a special interest because it is a temperature of hot isostatic pressing applied to CMSX-4 and modeling of this process needs verified diffusion data for this specific temperature. Various diffusion couples were assembled from the investigated alloys, annealed at 1288 °C and studied by electron probe microanalysis. So far as the annealing temperature was higher than the γ’-solvus temperature of CMSX-4 and other investigated alloys have no strengthening γ’-phase, interdiffusion occurred in the fcc solid solutions of nickel. It was found that in the case when the γ’-forming and γ-stabilizing elements diffuse in the same direction (towards nickel) the diffusion rate accelerates, but when they diffuse in the opposite directions (counter diffusion) it slows down. Such an interdiffusion behavior is in agreement with the results predicted with diffusion simulation software Dictra.

Abstract: Ti-β21S is a β-metastable titanium alloy, currently used in industries such as aeronautics, because of its cold formability, good mechanical properties at elevated temperature, low density and its strong resistance to oxidation. This alloy is hardened by an α-phase precipitation in the β-matrix. The purpose of the present research is to establish the effect of aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-β21S. Different thermal aging tests have been carried out at 600°C and at 650°C for 500 hours in laboratory air. The evolution of the microstructure has been reported after each thermal treatment and associated with room temperature tensile tests results.

Abstract: Titanium alloys are widely used in many industrial applications such as in aeronautics due to their combination of good mechanical properties, excellent corrosion resistance and low density. The mechanical behaviour of titanium alloys is known to exhibit a peculiar dependence on both deformation temperature and strain rate. Titanium alloys show significant room temperature creep and they are very sensitive to dwell fatigue and sustained load cracking. This behaviour is related to the viscosity of plastic deformation in titanium alloys, which can be represented by a strain rate sensitivity (SRS) parameter. The present study aims to compare the tensile behavior of two different titanium alloys, Ti-6Al-4V and β21S, which exhibit dissimilar microstructures. Results of tensile tests, performed under constant strain rate and including strain rate changes, are reported in terms of flow stress, ductility and SRS over a wide range of temperatures.

Abstract: The creep behaviour of MC2 single crystal superalloy has been studied at 1150°C/80 MPa, with an applied load along [001] axis. The resulting dislocation microstructures were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The occurrence of a[010] type dislocations (with a zero Schmid factor) within the ordered γ' precipitates is often observed. It is shown that those dislocations moved by a climb process, based on a mechanism involving two dislocation systems and vacancy exchanges, as proposed in the literature. We calculate the vacancy fluxes associated with such a mechanism and show that the vacancy transportation can be easily insured by a simple diffusion process. This calculation shows that the diffusion and climbing steps do not seem to be the creep rate controlling mechanisms for those situations in MC2 alloy.

Abstract: In the present study we examine the crystallographic structure of the , ’’ and  phases present in nickel base 718 alloy. The chemical ordering of Nb atoms and possible planar faults that may be observed in ’’ precipitates are detailed. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations of various faults are reported. The decomposition of a matrix dislocation to form a locked V shaped configuration is shown. The observation along [110] type direction allows to identify the type of defect, which is observed as a pure geometric stacking fault.

Abstract: Thermogravimetry was used to study the oxidation behaviour of a lamellar Ti46Al8Nb alloy during holding at 700°C in synthetic air. A parabolic plot of the oxidation kinetics shows three different regimes over the total duration (50 h) of the tests corresponding to decreasing values of the parabolic rate constant. The oxide scale was characterized by glancing-angle X-Ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The scale was found to be bi-layered with an outer part that consists of amorphous aluminium rich oxide whilst the inner layer is made of very small cristalites of titania distributed in the same amorphous oxide.